proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän 

: an elementary particle that is identical with the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, that along with the neutron is a constituent of all other atomic nuclei, that carries a positive charge numerically equal to the charge of an electron, and that has a mass of 1.673 × 10⁻²⁷ kilogram

protonic

prō-ˈtä-nik 

adjective

Examples of proton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The researchers think this high-energy neutrino could have been generated when an ultra-high energy cosmic ray, most likely a proton, struck a photon in the cosmic microwave background (CMB). —Robert Lea, Space.com, 12 Feb. 2025

Pain and play often share space in Shakespeare’s story, like so many protons and electrons sparking off each other. —Sara Holdren, Vulture, 12 Feb. 2025

Neutrinos, which don't have an electric charge, can be formed when energetic protons combine with photons from radiation left over from the big bang that created the universe. —Ashley Strickland, CNN, 12 Feb. 2025

Within the first second, protons and neutrons formed. —The Editors, JSTOR Daily, 30 Jan. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Greek prōton, neuter of prōtos first — more at proto-

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing proton

• proton pump inhibitor
• proton synchrotron

Rhymes for proton

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

Kids Definition

proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän 

: an atomic particle that occurs in the nucleus of every atom and carries a positive charge equal in size to the negative charge of an electron

protonic

prō-ˈtän-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän 

: an elementary particle that is identical with the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, that along with neutrons is a constituent of all other atomic nuclei, that carries a positive charge numerically equal to the charge of an electron, and that has a mass of 1.673×10⁻²⁴ gram

protonic

prō-ˈtän-ik 

adjective