isospin

noun

iso·spin | \ ˈī-sə-ˌspin

Definition of isospin

: a quantum characteristic of a group of closely related subatomic particles (such as a proton and a neutron) handled mathematically like ordinary spin with the possible orientations in a hypothetical space specifying the number of particles of differing electric charge comprising the group

— called also isotopic spin

Examples of isospin in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web In theory, the amplitudes should obey certain relations that apply to the Standard Model, like isospin symmetry, but — as the LHCb collaboration has concluded — measurements show our observations to be inconsistent with those expectations. — Ethan Siegel, Forbes, 12 Mar. 2021

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'isospin.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.