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You know what it looks like… but what is it called?
TAKE THE QUIZstandard model
noun
: a theory in physics that describes the basic components of matter and the forces that govern their interactions
Example Sentences
Recent Examples on the Web
In the standard model of particle physics, a model that explains all fundamental forces except gravity, forces are carried by specialized particles.
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Sarah Wells, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023
The standard model will have the same design as 2023’s Pixel 8.
—Maren Estrada, BGR, 23 Dec. 2022
In a nutshell, researchers determined that the boson whose existence was detected at CERN indeed decays into fermions—as predicted by the standard model of particle physics.
—Amir Aczel, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2014
According to the standard model of particle physics, every proton and neutron consists of three quarks, which are held together by gluons.
—Rachel Courtland, IEEE Spectrum, 1 May 2014
For example, string theory can’t yet incorporate an existing understanding of the standard model.
—Sarah Wells, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023
The kit includes protection for the underbelly of the SUV and adds 1.2 inches of ground clearance over the standard model.
—Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 31 Jan. 2023
Why is it considered a triumph that the standard model of cosmology doesn’t say what 95 percent of the universe is?
—Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023
It’s been given a 3.5-inch ride height boost and its track is 2.75 inches wider than that of the standard model.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2022
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Sarah Wells, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023
The standard model will have the same design as 2023’s Pixel 8.
—Maren Estrada, BGR, 23 Dec. 2022
In a nutshell, researchers determined that the boson whose existence was detected at CERN indeed decays into fermions—as predicted by the standard model of particle physics.
—Amir Aczel, Discover Magazine, 25 June 2014
According to the standard model of particle physics, every proton and neutron consists of three quarks, which are held together by gluons.
—Rachel Courtland, IEEE Spectrum, 1 May 2014
For example, string theory can’t yet incorporate an existing understanding of the standard model.
—Sarah Wells, Popular Mechanics, 10 Feb. 2023
The kit includes protection for the underbelly of the SUV and adds 1.2 inches of ground clearance over the standard model.
—Jack Fitzgerald, Car and Driver, 31 Jan. 2023
Why is it considered a triumph that the standard model of cosmology doesn’t say what 95 percent of the universe is?
—Dennis Overbye, New York Times, 24 Jan. 2023
It’s been given a 3.5-inch ride height boost and its track is 2.75 inches wider than that of the standard model.
—Bryan Hood, Robb Report, 3 Nov. 2022
See More
These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'standard model.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Word History
First Known Use
1982, in the meaning defined above
Dictionary Entries Near standard model
Cite this Entry
“Standard model.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/standard%20model. Accessed 25 Mar. 2023.
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