cyclotron

American  

[sahy-kluh-tron, sik-luh-] / ˈsaɪ kləˌtrɒn, ˈsɪk lə- /

noun

Physics.

1. an accelerator in which particles are propelled in spiral paths by the use of a constant magnetic field.

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cyclotron British  

/ ˈsaɪkləˌtrɒn /

noun

1. a type of particle accelerator in which the particles spiral inside two D-shaped hollow metal electrodes placed facing each other under the effect of a strong vertical magnetic field, gaining energy by a high-frequency voltage applied between these electrodes

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cyclotron Scientific  

/ sī′klə-trŏn′ /

1. A type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, in an outwardly spiraling path, greatly increasing their energies. Cyclotrons are used to bring about high-speed particle collisions in order to study subatomic structures.

2. Compare linear accelerator See also synchrocyclotron See Note at particle accelerator

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cyclotron Cultural  

1. The first kind of particle accelerator built.

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Discover More

Cyclotrons are now used for special research projects.

Etymology

Origin of cyclotron

First recorded in 1930–35; cyclo- + -tron

Related Words

• accelerator