neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈnü-ˌträn How to pronounce neutron (audio)
ˈnyü-
: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
neutronic adjective

Examples of neutron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Here's a brief look: NASA's Dragonfly nuclear helicopter To study Titan's atmosphere and surface, Dragonfly will have a variety of instruments, including a mass spectrometer, a drill system and a neutron spectrometer. Janet Loehrke, USA Today, 12 May 2025 Read more Particle Physics 'Space Jaws': NASA Reveals Roaming Monster Black Hole That's Eating Stars By detecting the number of protons and neutrons ejected in collisions, researchers were able to distinguish between the creation of other heavy elements like thallium and mercury—and gold. Melissa Fleur Afshar, MSNBC Newsweek, 9 May 2025 Around neutron stars, atoms can turn into much heavier elements by accumulating many neutrons at once and decaying a series of times. Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025 These elements are thought to form through a series of nuclear reactions known as the rapid neutron capture process, or r-process, which was long theorized to occur only under extreme conditions such as those in supernovas or neutron star mergers. Victoria Corless, Space.com, 7 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for neutron

Word History

Etymology

probably from neutral

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neutron was in 1921

Cite this Entry

“Neutron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutron. Accessed 24 May. 2025.

Kids Definition

neutron

noun
neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn How to pronounce neutron (audio)
: an uncharged atomic particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

Medical Definition

neutron

noun
neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn How to pronounce neutron (audio)
: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

More from Merriam-Webster on neutron

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