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

Examples of neutron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

As plants use rainwater to grow, their leaves pick up the rain’s characteristic ratio of hydrogen isotopes—atoms with the same number of protons and different numbers of neutrons. —Hannah Richter, Scientific American, 7 May 2026

Called Super Safe, Small and Simple, or 4S reactor, the design features a fast neutron microreactor cooled by liquid sodium. —Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 7 May 2026

For example, electromagnetic waves and neutron radiation from one piece of tech can cause semiconductors in another part to malfunction. —Chelsea Gohd, Space.com, 1 May 2026

The idea was that the presence of a neutron would alter how electrons and muons perceive the proton’s charge. —ArsTechnica, 14 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

probably from neutral

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing neutron

• neutron activation analysis
• neutron bomb
• neutron star

Rhymes for neutron

• anton
• argon
• axon
• baronne
• baryon
• baton
• boron
• buisson
• bygone
• capon
• cardon
• chiffon

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