quantum chromodynamics

:  a theory of fundamental particles based on the assumption that quarks are distinguished by differences in color (see ¹color 15) and are held together (as in hadrons) by an exchange of gluons Quantum chromodynamics equations describe the characteristics and behavior of quarks and the peculiar force that binds different quarks and antiquarks together to create protons, neutrons, and other subatomic particles known as hadrons. — I. Peterson