neutrino

noun

neu·​tri·​no nü-ˈtrē-(ˌ)nō 

nyü-

plural neutrinos

: an uncharged elementary particle that is believed to have a very small mass, that has any of three forms, and that interacts only rarely with other particles

neutrinoless

nü-ˈtrē-(ˌ)nō-ləs 

nyü-

adjective

Examples of neutrino in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

In addition, scientists think that neutrinos travel as one of three different mass states and that the states help determine the likelihood that a neutrino interacts as a particular flavor. —Eric Baculinao, NBC News, 31 Oct. 2024

When physicists get to that stage, any dark matter particles that might be detected will be lost in a sea of neutrino detections. —Dan Falk, Smithsonian Magazine, 25 Oct. 2024

Once activated, researchers intend to focus JUNO on neutrinos emitted by a pair of nuclear power plants located about 33 miles away on either side of the subterranean facility. —Andrew Paul, Popular Science, 17 Oct. 2024

Fermilab physicists discovered the massive bottom quark, the heavier top quark, and the wispy tau neutrino. —Byadrian Cho, science.org, 4 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Italian, from neutro neutral, neuter, from Latin neutr-, neuter

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

neutrino

noun

neu·​tri·​no n(y)ü-ˈtrē-nō 

plural neutrinos

: an uncharged elementary particle believed to have little or no mass

Medical Definition

neutrino

noun

neu·​tri·​no n(y)ü-ˈtrē-(ˌ)nō 

plural neutrinos

: an uncharged elementary particle that is believed to be massless or to have a very small mass, that has any of three forms, and that interacts only rarely with other particles