quantum chromodynamics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a theory of fundamental particles based on the assumption that quarks are distinguished by differences in color (see color entry 1 sense 15) and are held together (as in hadrons) by an exchange of gluons
Quantum chromodynamics equations describe the characteristics and behavior of quarks and the peculiar force that binds different quarks and antiquarks together to create protons, neutrons, and other subatomic particles known as hadrons.I. Peterson

Examples of quantum chromodynamics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Misunderstanding quantum chromodynamics, a subject many physicists fear, is not at all surprising. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2023 More recently, theorists have begun using a new tool to calculate hadronic blobs: lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD). Daniel Garisto, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2023 They were originally proposed to ensure that quantum chromodynamics, which describes the behavior of the strong force that holds protons and neutrons together, doesn't break the conservation of charge parity. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Apr. 2023 This is surprising because the theory that describes how quarks and gluons interact—quantum chromodynamics—could easily violate these symmetries. Rachel Courtland, IEEE Spectrum, 1 May 2014 This force is described by a theory called quantum chromodynamics (QCD), which is so complicated that scientists can almost never use it to calculate anything directly. Clara Moskowitz, Scientific American, 14 Feb. 2023 The classic example is chiral perturbation theory, which replaces the quarks and gluons of quantum chromodynamics with the pions and nucleons of the low-energy world. Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 19 Apr. 2011 The colorful theory became known as quantum chromodynamics, or QCD. Quanta Magazine, 19 Oct. 2022 Gradually, though, a deeper theory known as quantum chromodynamics (QCD) emerged. Quanta Magazine, 27 Sep. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum chromodynamics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1975, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum chromodynamics was in 1975

Dictionary Entries Near quantum chromodynamics

Cite this Entry

“Quantum chromodynamics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20chromodynamics. Accessed 29 Mar. 2024.

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