aufbau principle

proper noun

The rule stating that, in the ground state of an atom or ion, electrons fill subshells of the lowest available energy, followed by subshells of higher energy.

Similar
aufbau rule
OriginGerman Aufbau →
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Meanings

proper nounthe aufbau principle

alternative Aufbau principle

  1. natural sciencesThe rule stating that, in the ground state of an atom or ion, electrons fill subshells of the lowest available energy, followed by subshells of higher energy.

    Synonyms: aufbau rule

Synonyms & antonyms

proper nounThe rule stating that, in the ground state of an atom or ion, electrons fill subshells of the lowest available energy, followed by subshells of higher energy.

Similar
aufbau rule

Origin

  1. GermanAufbau“build-up, construction”
  2. Englishaufbau principle

From German Aufbau (“build-up, construction”).

More words from German

Full word history & related roots →
Cite this entry
APA

aufbau principle. (n.d.). In WatkinsX Dictionary. Retrieved November 5, 2026, from https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/aufbau%20principle

MLA

“aufbau principle.” WatkinsX Dictionary, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/aufbau%20principle. Accessed November 5, 2026.

Chicago

WatkinsX Dictionary, s.v. “aufbau principle,” accessed November 5, 2026, https://dictionary.watkinsx.com/word/aufbau%20principle.

Source: aufbau principle on Wiktionary, CC BY-SA 4.0.