neutron

noun

neu·tron ˈnü-ˌträn

ˈnyü-

: 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

neutronic

nü-ˈträ-nik

nyü-

adjective

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web Using neutron imaging preserved the pendant while revealing five small reliquary packages of silk and linen holding bone splinters. —

Jennifer Ouellette, Ars Technica, 12 Jan. 2023 The neutron drip line has served up surprises before. —

Byadrian Cho, science.org, 26 Oct. 2022 Well, the hum of the universe is essentially believed to be the gravitational waves that are created whenever neutron stars merge or black holes merge. —

Jacob Siegal, BGR, 4 Jan. 2023 Four of those programs focused on the properties of pulsars, which are highly magnetized, rotating neutron stars that emit a beam of electromagnetic radiation from their magnetic poles. —

Julia Musto, Fox News, 3 Jan. 2023 In fact, it is generally believed that the magnetic fields of neutron stars are weaker than those of black holes. —

Mark Zastrow, Discover Magazine, 29 Dec. 2022 The initial images and data gathered on this interesting event look like a kilonova produced from the collision of two neutron stars. —

Eleonora Troja, The Conversation, 21 Dec. 2022 The two neutron stars spiraled into each other in a ripping crash that spilled neutrons into atoms of iron or other lighter elements. —

Laura Helmuth, Scientific American, 12 Dec. 2022 Out flowed a flood of neutron particles — the product of fusion — which carried about 3 megajoules of energy, a factor of 1.5 in energy gain. —

Kenneth Chang, BostonGlobe.com, 13 Dec. 2022 See More

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.

Word History

Etymology

probably from neutral

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of neutron was in 1921

See more words from the same year

Cite this Entry

Style

“Neutron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutron. Accessed 1 Feb. 2023.

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Kids Definition

neutron

noun

neu·tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn

: an uncharged atomic particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

Medical Definition

neutron

noun

neu·tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn

: 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