parton

[pahr-ton]

noun

Physics.

1. a constituent of the nucleon originally postulated in the theoretical analysis of high-energy scattering of electrons by nucleons and subsequently identified with quarks and gluons.

Parton

¹

/ ˈpɑːtən /

noun

1. Dolly. born 1946, US country and pop singer and songwriter

parton

²

/ ˈpɑːˌtɒn /

noun

1. physics a hypothetical elementary particle postulated as a constituent of neutrons and protons

Word History and Origins

Origin of parton¹

1965–70; part(icle) + -on ¹; coined by R. P. Feynman

Word History and Origins

Origin of parton¹

from _part + _-on

Example Sentences

Enter Dolly Parton — a beloved figure whose generosity provides a complement to Eilish’s critique.

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Though she has amassed significant wealth, Parton has consistently used her resources to give back, from her Imagination Library, which sends free books to children across the U.S. and internationally, to donations to hospitals, education initiatives and disaster relief.

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Unlike the billionaires Eilish critiques, Parton’s life demonstrates that extreme wealth need not exist in a vacuum.

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Eilish’s admonition and Parton’s example resonates because it underscores a broader cultural conversation: wealth comes with choices.

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Parton embodies the latter, while Eilish serves as the conscience, reminding the public — and the ultra-wealthy — that privilege carries responsibility.

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