positron

noun

pos·​i·​tron ˈpä-zə-ˌträn 

: a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron

called also antielectron

Examples of positron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The main way that happens is by colliding electrons and their antimatter partners, positrons. — Matt Von Hippel, Quanta Magazine, 29 July 2026

Full-body scans use different technologies, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or positron emission tomography (PET), according to the Dana-Farber Cancer Institute. — Melissa Rudy, FOXNews.com, 20 July 2026

The strategy process evaluated a wide range of proposals, including linear electron-positron colliders, muon colliders, electron-proton facilities, and reuse of the existing LHC tunnel. — Florencia Canelli, Scientific American, 1 July 2026

This is akin to what happens when an electron meets its antimatter counterpart, or positron. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 21 June 2026

Word History

Etymology

positive + -tron (as in electron)

First Known Use

1933, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing positron

• positron-emission tomography

Rhymes for positron

• aileron
• antiphon
• autobahn
• carillon
• castellan
• celadon
• cephalon
• cynodon
• denouement
• deuteron
• echelon
• epsilon

Kids Definition

positron

noun

pos·​i·​tron ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn 

: a positively charged particle having the same mass and size of charge as the electron

Medical Definition

positron

noun

pos·​i·​tron ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn 

: a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron

called also positive electron