positron

noun

pos·​i·​tron ˈpä-zə-ˌträn 

: 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

These plaques are a hallmark of Alzheimer's and previously required either costly positron emission tomography (PET) scans, or invasive spinal fluid analysis for confirmation. —Thomas Westerholm, MSNBC Newsweek, 21 May 2025

Typically, an accurate Alzheimer's diagnosis requires expensive and time-consuming testing, including a brain positron emission tomography (PET) scan, which is a type of imaging test of the brain. —Youri Benadjaoud, ABC News, 16 May 2025

The other part of the research involves using a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, a live imaging system to monitor living cell therapies. —Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025

For example, the electron and positron differ only in charge, and the electron and the muon differ only in mass. —Paul Sutter, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

positive + -tron (as in electron)

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing positron

• positron-emission tomography

Rhymes for positron

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• chitosan
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon

Kids Definition

positron

noun

pos·​i·​tron ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn 

: 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 

: 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