The $X(3872)$, whose mass coincides with the $D^0bar D^{*0}$ threshold, is the most extended hadron object. Since its discovery in 2003, debates have never stopped regarding its internal structure. We propose a new object, the $X$ atom, which is the $D^pm D^{*mp}$ composite system with positive charge parity and a mass of $(3879.89pm0.07)$ MeV, formed mainly due to the Coulomb force. We show that a null signal of the $X$ atom can be used to put a lower limit on the binding energy of the $X(3872)$. From the current knowledge of the $X(3872)$ properties, the production rate for the $X$ atom relative to the $X(3872)$ in $B$ decays and at hadron colliders should be at least $1times10^{-3}$. New insights into the $X(3872)$ will be obtained through studying the $X$ atom.
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