dalton

noun

dal·​ton ˈdȯl-tᵊn 

: atomic mass unit

—used chiefly in biochemistry

Examples of dalton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Most new antibiotics are small molecules—those that have molecular weights of less than 600 daltons. —Beth Mole, Ars Technica, 5 Jan. 2024

Our company is specialized for small molecule drugs, which are usually below 500 daltons. —IEEE Spectrum, 27 Apr. 2018

Word History

Etymology

John Dalton †1844 English chemist

First Known Use

circa 1928, in the meaning defined above

Medical Definition

dalton

noun

dal·​ton ˈdȯlt-ᵊn 

: a unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms, molecules, or nuclear particles equal to ¹/₁₂ of the atomic mass of the most abundant carbon isotope ¹²C : atomic mass unit

—used chiefly in biochemistry

—abbreviation d

Geographical Definition

Dalton

geographical name

Dal·​ton ˈdȯl-tᵊn 

city in northwestern Georgia population 33,128

Biographical Definition

Dalton

biographical name

Dal·​ton ˈdȯl-tᵊn 

John 1766–1844 English chemist and physicist