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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
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Word History
Etymology
cycl- + -tron; from the circular movement of the particles
First Known Use
1935, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near cyclotron
Cite this Entry
“Cyclotron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/cyclotron. Accessed 25 Dec. 2024.
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
More from Merriam-Webster on cyclotron
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cyclotron
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