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

Isotopes are variants of a chemical element that have the same number of protons but different numbers of neutrons in their nuclei. —Jess Thomson, Newsweek, 5 Dec. 2024

They are created when protons and neutrons collide, which generates particles known as pions that then decay into muons. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2024

Protons and neutrons are composed of up and down quarks. —Tom Siegfried, Discover Magazine, 29 Nov. 2024

These hydrogen isotopes will then combine through nuclear fusion, and in that process release neutrons. —Chris Baraniuk, WIRED, 27 Nov. 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