neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈnü-ˌträn 

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

nü-ˈträ-nik 

nyü-

adjective

Examples of neutron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Because all matter is made up of protons and electrons (along with nonpartisan neutrons). —Rhett Allain, WIRED, 27 Sep. 2024

The breeding blanket makes up the first layer of the plasma chamber walls and contains lithium that reacts with the neutrons generated in the fusion reaction to produce tritium. —Sophie Blondel, The Conversation, 18 Oct. 2024

For that reason, the photons or neutrons cannot be recorded inside the interferometer using an ordinary detector. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 9 Sep. 2024

And one way that axions would interact with protons and neutrons is basically to tip the spins of those particles. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 17 May 2024

Word History

Etymology

probably from neutral

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing neutron

• neutron activation analysis
• neutron bomb
• neutron star

Kids Definition

neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn 

: 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 

: 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