pair production
noun
: the transformation of a quantum of radiant energy simultaneously into an electron and a positron when the quantum interacts with the intense electric field near a nucleus
Examples of pair production in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The researcher says that because antimatter particles are more massive than matter particles, during pair production in the early universe, the antimatter particles were slower than the corresponding matter particles.
—
Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
An upper limit to the lifetime of stellar remnants from gravitational pair production.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
An upper limit to the lifetime of stellar remnants from gravitational pair production
Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Robert Lea, Space.com, 23 Mar. 2026
An upper limit to the lifetime of stellar remnants from gravitational pair production.
—Ian Randall, MSNBC Newsweek, 12 May 2025
An upper limit to the lifetime of stellar remnants from gravitational pair production
Before joining Discover Magazine, Paul Smaglik spent over 20 years as a science journalist, specializing in U.S. life science policy and global scientific career issues.
—Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 12 May 2025
Cite this Entry
“Pair production.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/pair%20production. Accessed 31 Mar. 2026.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
