baryon

American  

[bar-ee-on] / ˈbær iˌɒn /

noun

Physics.

1. a proton, neutron, or any elementary particle that decays into a set of particles that includes a proton.

---

baryon British  

/ ˈbærɪˌɒn /

noun

1. any of a class of elementary particles that have a mass greater than or equal to that of the proton, participate in strong interactions, and have a spin of 1/ 2 . Baryons are either nucleons or hyperons. The baryon number is the number of baryons in a system minus the number of antibaryons

---

baryon Scientific  

/ băr′ē-ŏn′ /

1. Any of a family of subatomic particles composed of three quarks or three antiquarks. They are generally more massive than mesons, and interact with each other via the strong force. Baryons form a subclass of hadrons and are subdivided into nucleons and hyperons. Protons and neutrons are baryons.

2. See Table at subatomic particle

---

Other Word Forms

• baryonic
  adjective

---

Etymology

Origin of baryon

1950–55; < Greek barý ( s ) heavy + (fermi)on

---

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

baryon

The researchers suggest that the most important changes in the more recent universe may involve how gas moves through the baryon cycle rather than how much HI exists overall.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 3, 2026

If confirmed, that would challenge the long-standing assumption that baryon number belongs exclusively to those quarks.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

In that picture, a proton has a baryon number of plus one, divided equally among its three main valence quarks.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

The results suggest that gluons, the particles that act as the glue holding quarks together, may play a key role in carrying and conserving baryon number.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

Rather than the valence quarks carrying baryon number, the junction itself could be responsible.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

Random Word

Spin the wheel and learn a new word!

---