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
From the M-W Editors
Recent Examples of neutron from the Web
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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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China’s first astronomical satellite, an x-ray telescope that will search the sky for black holes, neutron stars, and other extremely energetic phenomena, raced into orbit today after a morning launch from the Gobi Desert.
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Quarks make up more familiar particles, like protons and neutrons, while gluons are the carriers of the strong nuclear force that holds the quarks together.
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In addition, three payloads inside Dragons unpressurized area will demonstrate new solar panel technologies, study the physics of neutron stars, and host an array of Earth-viewing instruments, NASA said.
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Besides the usual supplies, the 6,000-pound shipment includes mice and flies for research, a new kind of roll-up solar panel and a neutron star detector.
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
probably from neutral
NEUTRON Defined for English Language Learners
neutron
playDefinition 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
playDefinition 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
playMedical 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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