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meson

noun me·son \ ˈme-ˌzän , ˈmā- , ˈmē- , -ˌsän \

Definition of meson

: any of a group of fundamental particles (such as the pion and kaon) made up of a quark and an antiquark that are subject to the strong force and have zero or an integer number of quantum units of spin

—

mesonic

play \me-ˈzä-nik, mā-, mē-, -ˈsä-\ adjective

See meson defined for kids

Recent Examples of meson from the Web

However, measurements at the CERN collider have shown a definite propensity for the mesons to underproduce muons, as reported at CERN in April.

— dennis overbye, New York Times, "Yearning for New Physics at CERN, in a Post-Higgs Way," 19 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of meson

International Scientific Vocabulary mes- + ²-on

NEW! Time Traveler

First Known Use: 1939

in the meaning defined above

See Words from the same year

Medical Dictionary

meson

noun me·son \ ˈmez-ˌän , ˈmēz- , ˈmēs- , ˈmes- \

medical Definition of meson

: any of a group of unstable elementary particles that are subject to nuclear forces and have masses much greater than that of the electron

—

mesonic

play \me-ˈzän-ik, mē-, -ˈsän-\ adjective

Learn More about meson

See words that rhyme with meson Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about meson

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BROWSE DICTIONARY

mesomorphic

Mesomyodi

meson

Mesonemertini

mesonephridium

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