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 energies of nuclear states come from adding and subtracting the huge electromagnetic and strong forces acting on all the protons and neutrons. —Quanta Magazine, 4 Sep. 2024

All matter—wands, balloons, webs, air—strives for balance between its positive and negative particles (protons, electrons and ions). —Max G. Levy, WIRED, 27 Oct. 2024

In July 2024, Yaffe filmed a video of herself undergoing proton therapy, a form of radiation. —Chrissy Callahan, NBC News, 17 Oct. 2024

In the standard cosmological model, this includes photons, dark energy, dark matter, neutrinos, protons, electrons and helium nuclei. —Marc Kamionkowski, Scientific American, 15 Oct. 2024

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

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