Definition of neutron
:an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
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Recent Examples of neutron from the Web
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One of Odyssey’s instruments measures the neutrons kicked up from the martian surface by cosmic rays striking the planet.
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But the authors conclude that the results would be heavy, neutron-rich atomic nuclei.
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Such ultradense, spinning neutron stars created by supernovas could continue to generate magnetic power that would heat up the expanding gas left over from the supernova.
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Like their twins, hypervelocity stars may explode too, leaving behind dense cores called neutron stars or matter-gobbling black holes.
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This could allow neutron stars to gain enough mass to graduate to black-hole-dom or allow black holes to grow to larger masses.
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Emerging from the explosion is one of the two densest objects known to the Universe: a neutron star or, if the original star is heavy enough, a black hole.
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Chandra Observatory has detected over a dozen objects in Arp 299 that give off large amounts of x-rays, which NASA believes are either neutron stars or black holes.
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Doing so posed the risk that neutrons emitted routinely by the metal in the rods would collide with the atoms of other particles, causing them to fission enough to provoke more collisions and begin an uncontrolled chain reaction of atom splitting.
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'neutron.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Origin and Etymology of neutron
NEUTRON Defined for English Language Learners
neutron
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noun
Definition of neutron for English Language Learners
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physics : a very small particle of matter that has no electrical charge and is part of the nucleus of all atoms except hydrogen atoms
NEUTRON Defined for Kids
neutron
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noun
neu·tron
\
ˈnü-ˌträn
,
ˈnyü-
\
Definition of neutron for Students
:a particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton but no electrical charge and that is present in all atomic nuclei except those of hydrogen
Medical Dictionary
neutron
play
noun
neu·tron
\
ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn
\
medical Definition of neutron
:an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
Learn More about neutron
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See words that rhyme with neutron Spanish Central: Translation of neutron Nglish: Translation of neutron for Spanish speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about neutron
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