neutrino

noun

neu·​tri·​no nü-ˈtrē-(ˌ)nō How to pronounce neutrino (audio)
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 adjective

Examples of neutrino in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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These alternatives included changing the behavior of neutrinos and adding an additional period of accelerating cosmic expansion in the early universe. Robert Lea, Space.com, 18 Mar. 2025 While neutrinos remain extremely elusive, muons are both easier to detect and far better understood. Tom Hawking, Popular Science, 12 Feb. 2025 These neutrinos arrive at Earth from the far reaches of the cosmos. Daniel Wine, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025 So, what kind of natural cosmic particle accelerator could have launched a neutrino with such energy? Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Feb. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neutrino

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neutrino was in 1934

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Cite this Entry

“Neutrino.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutrino. Accessed 26 Mar. 2025.

Kids Definition

neutrino

noun
neu·​tri·​no n(y)ü-ˈtrē-nō How to pronounce neutrino (audio)
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 How to pronounce neutrino (audio)
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

More from Merriam-Webster on neutrino

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