betatron

noun

be·​ta·​tron ˈbā-tə-ˌträn How to pronounce betatron (audio)
: an accelerator in which electrons are propelled by the inductive action of a rapidly varying magnetic field

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of betatron was in 1941

Dictionary Entries Near betatron

Cite this Entry

“Betatron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betatron. Accessed 21 Nov. 2024.

Kids Definition

betatron

noun
be·​ta·​tron ˈbāt-ə-ˌträn How to pronounce betatron (audio)
: a device that speeds up electrons by the action of a rapidly changing magnetic field

More from Merriam-Webster on betatron

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!