Crossword Genius

I’m back, probing three letters, covering the smallest things? (6)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

atomic

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'letters covering the smallest things?' is the definition.
I can't judge whether this definition defines the answer.

'i'm back probing three' is the wordplay.
'back' says the letters should be written backwards.
'probing' indicates putting letters inside (probe can mean to make a hole in).
'three' becomes 'atoc' (I am not sure about this - if you are sure you should believe this answer much more).
'im' backwards is 'mi'.
'mi' placed within 'atoc' is 'ATOMIC'.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for atomic that I've seen before include "Immeasurably small -- omit AC (anag)" , "Type of energy" , "Extremely small" , "Employing nuclear energy" , "Relating to the smallest component of an element" .)

I've seen this clue in The Independent.
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