<P> The idea that matter is made up of discrete units is a very old idea , appearing in many ancient cultures such as Greece and India . The word `` atom '' ( Greek : ἄτομος ; atomos ) , meaning `` uncuttable '' , was coined by the ancient Greek philosophers Leucippus and his pupil Democritus ( c. 460 -- c. 370 BC ) . Democritus taught that atoms were infinite in number , uncreated , and eternal , and that the qualities of an object result from the kind of atoms that compose it . Democritus 's atomism was refined and elaborated by the later philosopher Epicurus ( 341 -- 270 BC ) . During the Early Middle Ages , atomism was mostly forgotten in western Europe , but survived among some groups of Islamic philosophers . During the twelfth century , atomism became known again in western Europe through references to it in the newly - rediscovered writings of Aristotle . </P>
<P> The idea that matter is made up of discrete units is a very old idea , appearing in many ancient cultures such as Greece and India . The word `` atom '' ( Greek : ἄτομος ; atomos ) , meaning `` uncuttable '' , was coined by the ancient Greek philosophers Leucippus and his pupil Democritus ( c. 460 -- c. 370 BC ) . Democritus taught that atoms were infinite in number , uncreated , and eternal , and that the qualities of an object result from the kind of atoms that compose it . Democritus 's atomism was refined and elaborated by the later philosopher Epicurus ( 341 -- 270 BC ) . During the Early Middle Ages , atomism was mostly forgotten in western Europe , but survived among some groups of Islamic philosophers . During the twelfth century , atomism became known again in western Europe through references to it in the newly - rediscovered writings of Aristotle . </P>
what does the greek word for atoms mean
what does the greek word for atoms mean
uncuttable
uncuttable