neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈnü-ˌträn 

ˈnyü-

: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

neutronic

nü-ˈträ-nik 

nyü-

adjective

Examples of neutron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The system will be used to measure both the number and energies of neutrons emitted by plasma across the full range of fusion power expected for the ITER reactor. —Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 12 Sep. 2025

Around this core is wrapped a layer of beryllium, which reflects the neutrons emitted by the core to cause the nuclear reaction. —David Szondy september 10, New Atlas, 10 Sep. 2025

Protons and neutrons, meanwhile, aren’t fundamental particles, but are composite particles composed of quarks and gluons. —Ethan Siegel, Big Think, 9 Sep. 2025

This force binds quarks and gluons together to make protons and neutrons. —Shalma Wegsman, Quanta Magazine, 5 Sep. 2025

Word History

Etymology

probably from neutral

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing neutron

• neutron activation analysis
• neutron bomb
• neutron star

Rhymes for neutron

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

Kids Definition

neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn 

: an uncharged atomic particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

Medical Definition

neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn 

: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus