angular correlation

noun

physics

: the relationship between the trajectories of particles emitted by a subatomic process (such as radioactive decay)

Experiments are already planned to settle the question through measurement of the angular correlations between detected protons.

—J. C. Hardy, Science, 1 Mar. 1985

Word History

First Known Use

1953, in the meaning defined above

Love words?

You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.

Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:

• More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
• Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
• Advanced search features
• Ad free!