Compton

American  

[komp-tuhn] / ˈkɒmp tən /

noun

1. Arthur Holly 1892–1962, U.S. physicist: Nobel Prize 1927.

2. his brother Karl Taylor 1887–1954, U.S. physicist.

3. Spencer, Earl of Wilmington, 1673?–1743, British statesman: prime minister 1742–43.

4. a city in SW California.

---

Compton British  

noun

1. Arthur Holly. 1892–1962, US physicist, noted for his research on X-rays, gamma rays, and nuclear energy: Nobel prize for physics 1927

2. Denis . 1918–97, English cricketer, who played for Middlesex and England (1937–57); broke two records in 1947 scoring 3816 runs and 18 centuries in one season

---

Compton Scientific  

/ kŏmp′tən /

1. American physicist who showed that when particles of light (called photons) collide with other particles, such as electrons, they lose energy and momentum and the light's wavelength increases. For his discovery of this phenomenon (which became known as the Compton effect) he shared the 1927 Nobel Prize for physics with Charles Wilson. He also discovered the electrical nature of cosmic rays.

---

Example Sentences

On its release in April, Michael took $217m globally in its first week, overtaking previous music biopics including 2015's NWA film Straight Outta Compton and 2018's Queen film Bohemian Rhapsody.

From BBC • Jun. 29, 2026

Four Los Angeles Superior Court judges in courtrooms from Compton to Van Nuys hear cases of veterans charged with state crimes.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 26, 2026

“It doesn’t have to be, like, fashion fashion,” she said with a laugh during a recent visit with primary care provider Dr. Edward Cardenas at his East Compton office.

From Los Angeles Times • Jun. 14, 2026

Ali was doubly surprised because the mailers went out to voters just a few weeks after Waters attended an unveiling ceremony for the new Compton High School campus.

From Los Angeles Times • May 29, 2026

Finally, Compton settled the argument by fiat: the pile would move to Chicago.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik