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nucleon

noun
nu·​cle·​on | \ ˈnü-klÄ“-ˌän How to pronounce nucleon (audio) , ˈnyü-\

Definition of nucleon

1 : a proton or neutron especially in the atomic nucleus
2 : a hypothetical single entity with one-half unit of isospin that can manifest itself as either a proton or a neutron
Other Words from nucleon Example Sentences Learn More about nucleon

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Other Words from nucleon

nucleonic \ ËŒnü-​klÄ“-​ˈä-​nik How to pronounce nucleonic (audio) , ËŒnyü-​ \ adjective

Examples of nucleon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Atomic nuclei are made of protons and neutrons, known collectively as nucleons. — The Economist, "Who did the Maya sacrifice?," 1 Aug. 2019 Her model explained why certain numbers of nucleons make for stable atomic configurations. — Jill Kiedaisch, Popular Mechanics, "32 Women Who’ve Changed Life As We Know It," 31 Mar. 2019

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

First Known Use of nucleon

1923, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for nucleon

International Scientific Vocabulary

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More Definitions for nucleon

nucleon

noun
nu·​cle·​on | \ ˈn(y)ü-klÄ“-ˌän How to pronounce nucleon (audio) \

Medical Definition of nucleon

: a nuclear particle:
a : proton
b : neutron

Other Words from nucleon

nucleonic \ ËŒn(y)ü-​klÄ“-​ˈän-​ik How to pronounce nucleonic (audio) \ adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on nucleon

Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with nucleon

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about nucleon

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