Thomas precession

noun

: a precessional motion of the spin axis of an orbital electron caused by the interaction between the electron spin and the electric field of the nucleus

Word History

Etymology

after L. H. Thomas, born 1903 American physicist (born in England) who discovered it

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Cite this Entry

“Thomas precession.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/Thomas%20precession. Accessed 3 Dec. 2024.

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