positron

noun

pos·​i·​tron ˈpä-zə-ˌträn How to pronounce positron (audio)
: a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron

called also antielectron

Examples of positron 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.
The study also used gold-standard amyloid positron emission tomography, or PET, scans to verify the presence of amyloid and tau in the brains of study participants, and magnetic resonance imaging, or MRI, to measure levels of visceral fat that occur when waistlines expand. Sandee Lamotte, CNN, 2 Dec. 2024 Researchers from Weill Cornell Medicine used positron emission tomography (PET) imaging to analyze estrogen activity in the brain. Jennifer Chesak, Verywell Health, 17 July 2024 Typically, people will either get a positron emission technology (PET) scan of the brain or a spinal fluid test to look for evidence of amyloid. Lisa Rapaport, EverydayHealth.com, 9 July 2024 Participants had to have buildup in their brains of the protein tau, considered a marker of disease stage, which can be detected in positron emission tomography (PET) scans. science.org, 3 July 2024 See all Example Sentences for positron 

Word History

Etymology

positive + -tron (as in electron)

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of positron was in 1933

Dictionary Entries Near positron

Cite this Entry

“Positron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positron. Accessed 23 Dec. 2024.

Kids Definition

positron

noun
pos·​i·​tron ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn How to pronounce positron (audio)
: a positively charged particle having the same mass and size of charge as the electron

Medical Definition

positron

noun
pos·​i·​tron ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn How to pronounce positron (audio)
: a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron

called also positive electron

More from Merriam-Webster on positron

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