elementary particle

noun

Definition of elementary particle

: any of the particles of which matter and energy are composed or which mediate the fundamental forces of nature especially : one whose existence has not been attributed to the combination of other more fundamental entities

Examples of elementary particle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

An elementary particle lacks definite physical properties and is defined only by probabilities of being in various states. Quanta Magazine, "Time’s Arrow Traced to Quantum Source," 16 Apr. 2014 The basic profile of monopoles depicts them as elementary particles carrying magnetic charge. Adam Hadhazy, Discover Magazine, "Scientists Hunt for A Seeming Paradox: A Magnet With Only One Pole," 13 Nov. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'elementary particle.' 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 elementary particle

1934, in the meaning defined above

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More Definitions for elementary particle

elementary particle

noun

English Language Learners Definition of elementary particle

physics : a particle (such as an electron or proton) that is smaller than an atom and does not appear to be made up of a combination of more basic things

elementary particle

noun

Medical Definition of elementary particle

1 : any of the particles of which matter and energy are composed or which mediate the fundamental forces of nature especially : one (as the photon or the electron) whose existence has not been attributed to the combination of other more fundamental entities
2 : one of the structural units of mitochondrial cristae that are observable by the electron microscope usually as spheres or stalked spheres and are probably the seat of fundamental energy-producing reactions