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 The tried and tested basic law of modern particle physics—what scientists call the Standard Model—enshrines the muon as one of our universe’s fundamental building blocks. Rahul Rao, Popular Science, 17 Aug. 2023 In the 1980s, Dr. Turner was among the scientists who began using the tools of particle physics to study the Big Bang and the evolution of the universe, and the universe to learn about particle physics. Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023 By measuring the magnetic moment, scientists are testing the theoretical linchpin of particle physics: the standard model. Katrina Miller, WIRED, 13 Mar. 2023 His answers led into a deep, thoughtful exploration of the technology of modern movie-making, along with the unexpected connections between digital effects and zoology, medicine, and even particle physics. Corey S Powell, Discover Magazine, 12 July 2014 Generally, they can be used by scientists to study cosmic rays, infrared light and particle physics. Denise Chow, NBC News, 3 Feb. 2023 The current theory of quantum mechanics that attempts to explain the nature of the universe is called the Standard Model of particle physics. The Physics Arxiv Blog, Discover Magazine, 15 Feb. 2022 By the 1960s, particle physics had grown from tabletop experiments to industrial-scale operations. James B. Meigs, WSJ, 13 Jan. 2023 But theorists have few if any concrete clues about how to go beyond the Standard Model of particle physics, the stiflingly comprehensive set of equations for the quantum world that’s been the theory to beat for half a century. Natalie Wolchover, Quanta Magazine, 22 Dec. 2022 See More

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'particle physics.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

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

Dictionary Entries Near particle physics

Cite this Entry

“Particle physics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/particle%20physics. Accessed 30 Sep. 2023.

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