half–integer
Definition of half–integer
half–integers
: any number of the form x/2, where x is any odd integer Particles whose spin is a half-integer of h, on the other hand, are fermions satisfying the Pauli exclusion principle; no two particles can have the same state. — Qimiao Si et al., Science, 3 Sept. 2010 ◆A half of an even integer is considered an integer. A half-integer is the result of a half of an odd integer.
half–integral
adjective All the particles that we like to think of as “real” particles, like protons, neutrons and electrons, have spin which is half-integral—1/2, 3/2, 5/2 and so on. — John Gribbin, The Search For Superstrings, 1998People Are Reading
There's more!
Love words? You must — there are over 200,000 words in our free online dictionary, but you are looking for one that’s only in the Merriam-Webster Unabridged Dictionary.
Start your free trial today and get unlimited access to America's largest dictionary, with:
- More than 250,000 words that aren't in our free dictionary
- Expanded definitions, etymologies, and usage notes
- Advanced search features
- Ad free!
First Known Use of half–integer
1897
Seen and Heard
What made you want to look up half–integer? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).
Writing? Check your grammar now!