particle physics

noun

: a branch of physics dealing with the constitution, properties, and interactions of elementary particles especially as revealed in experiments using particle accelerators

called also high-energy physics

particle physicist noun

Examples of particle physics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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Teaching the accelerator to tune itself Earlier particle physics facilities, including Brookhaven’s own Relativistic Heavy Ion Collider, which shut down in February 2026, incorporated AI tools years after construction. Deena Theresa, Interesting Engineering, 18 May 2026 In the Standard Model of particle physics, described by a quantum field theory, direct calculations yield infinite results for energies and other physical quantities, which must be eliminated by a sophisticated and nonintuitive mathematical procedure. Quanta Magazine, 18 May 2026 With this knowledge, scientists have been hunting for particles outside the Standard Model of particle physics that could account for dark matter. Robert Lea, Space.com, 15 May 2026 Regardless of whether one studies cosmology, particle physics, medicine or chemical processes, one is always dealing with variable systems and thus with differential equations. Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 12 May 2026 See All Example Sentences for particle physics

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of particle physics was in 1946

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Cite this Entry

“Particle physics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/particle%20physics. Accessed 3 Jun. 2026.

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