exclusion principle
noun
: a principle in physics: no two particles (such as electrons) in an atom or molecule can have the same set of quantum numbers
called also Pauli exclusion principle
Examples of exclusion principle in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The exclusion principle ensures that electrons occupy different orbits around a nucleus.
—
The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2020
But these have a powerful negative charge that would overwhelm the subtle self-ordering effect of the exclusion principle.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2020
Which also has nothing to do with the exclusion principle, so at least it’s consistent.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2012
Understanding the origin of Pauli’s exclusion principle would unlock explanations for all of these deep facts of quotidian life.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2022
Wolfgang Pauli’s exclusion principle, discovered in 1925 through studies of atomic spectra, showed the possibility of hole-like vacancies in atoms and molecules.
—Frank Wilczek, WSJ, 19 May 2022
That exclusion principle applies to the atoms in gas, too, which is what the scientists used to demonstrate it.
—Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 24 Nov. 2021
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2020
But these have a powerful negative charge that would overwhelm the subtle self-ordering effect of the exclusion principle.
—The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 15 May 2020
Which also has nothing to do with the exclusion principle, so at least it’s consistent.
—Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 23 Feb. 2012
Understanding the origin of Pauli’s exclusion principle would unlock explanations for all of these deep facts of quotidian life.
—Adam Becker, Scientific American, 22 Nov. 2022
Wolfgang Pauli’s exclusion principle, discovered in 1925 through studies of atomic spectra, showed the possibility of hole-like vacancies in atoms and molecules.
—Frank Wilczek, WSJ, 19 May 2022
That exclusion principle applies to the atoms in gas, too, which is what the scientists used to demonstrate it.
—Joshua Hawkins, BGR, 24 Nov. 2021
Cite this Entry
“Exclusion principle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exclusion%20principle. Accessed 20 May. 2025.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share