1 neutron | Definition of neutron

neutron

noun
neu·​tron | \ ˈnü-ËŒträn How to pronounce neutron (audio) , ˈnyü-\

Definition of neutron

: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

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Other Words from neutron

neutronic \ nü-​ˈträ-​nik How to pronounce neutronic (audio) , nyü-​ \ adjective

Examples of neutron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

This nucleus is made up of even tinier particles called protons and neutrons. Nandita Jayaraj, Quartz India, "Meet Indumathi, the Indian scientist who wants to capture one of the universe’s smallest particles," 27 Aug. 2019 The fusion reaction produces helium and neutrons with a higher kinetic energy than that of the original particles. Giulia Pacchioni, Scientific American, "The Road to Fusion," 26 Aug. 2019 Most of the uranium atoms found in nature are U-238, an isotope with 92 protons and 146 neutrons. Stephanie Demarco, latimes.com, "210,000-year-old skull in Greece is earliest sign of modern humans in Europe or Asia," 10 July 2019 This was first done successfully after the detection, in August 2017, of the first neutron-star merger. The Economist, "Gravitational astronomy proves its maturity," 20 Aug. 2019 Seeing just one black hole shred a neutron star could reveal how stiff neutron-star matter is, Kalogera says, which is key to deciphering the structure of neutron stars. Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, "Scientists may have spotted a black hole and a neutron star colliding," 16 Aug. 2019 How to Read the Table Many periodic tables include the atomic number (number of protons) and atomic weight (which depends on protons and neutrons). Bill Andrews, Discover Magazine, "Everything Worth Knowing About The Periodic Table," 26 June 2019 These materials aren’t made of anything special — just normal particles such as protons, neutrons and electrons. Quanta Magazine, "‘Quantum Atmospheres’ May Reveal Secrets of Matter," 25 Sep. 2018 The new results suggest that neutron-star mergers are important sources of short-duration gamma-ray bursts, study team members said. Mike Wall, Space.com, "Faster Than Light? Neutron-Star Merger Shot Out a Jet with Seemingly Impossible Speed," 5 Sep. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neutron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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First Known Use of neutron

1921, in the meaning defined above

History and Etymology for neutron

probably from neutral

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More Definitions for neutron

neutron

noun

English Language Learners Definition of neutron

physics : a very small particle of matter that has no electrical charge and is part of the nucleus of all atoms except hydrogen atoms

neutron

noun
neu·​tron | \ ˈnü-ËŒträn How to pronounce neutron (audio) , ˈnyü-\

Kids Definition of neutron

: a particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton but no electrical charge and that is present in all atomic nuclei except those of hydrogen

neutron

noun
neu·​tron | \ ˈn(y)ü-ËŒträn How to pronounce neutron (audio) \

Medical Definition of neutron

: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

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More from Merriam-Webster on neutron

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with neutron

Spanish Central: Translation of neutron

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Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutron