cyclotron

noun

cy·​clo·​tron ˈsī-klə-ˌträn 

: an accelerator in which charged particles (such as protons, deuterons, or ions) are propelled by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

Examples of cyclotron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Potential solutions that could address this critical issue include developing new production methods such as through cyclotrons, as well as investing in domestic production of Molybdenum-99 in America. —Omer Awan, Forbes, 24 Oct. 2024

Once the isotopes were prepared and the cyclotron was running, the process became a waiting game. —Max Springer, Scientific American, 24 July 2024

The resulting ions shoot down a pipeline into the cyclotron, which sweeps the ions around in a spiral, accelerating the beam. —Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024

And waves of protons, called ion cyclotron waves, snake around the sun's magnetic field, heating and accelerating the solar wind. —Ian Graber-Stiehl, Discover Magazine, 10 Aug. 2018

Word History

Etymology

cycl- + -tron; from the circular movement of the particles

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

cyclotron

noun

cy·​clo·​tron ˈsī-klə-ˌträn 

: a device in which charged particles are propelled to high speeds by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

Medical Definition

cyclotron

noun

cy·​clo·​tron ˈsī-klə-ˌträn 

: an accelerator in which charged particles (as protons, deuterons, or ions) are propelled by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field