standard model

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a mathematical description of the elementary particles of matter and the fundamental forces by which they interact and behave; a model combining electromagnetic and weak forces.

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standard model British  

noun

1. physics a theory of fundamental interactions in which the electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions are described in terms of the exchange of virtual particles

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standard model Scientific  

1. A theory of subatomic particles and their interactions. The standard model is a kind of quantum field theory and states that all matter consists of three types of particles: leptons, quarks, and the gauge bosons (gluons, intermediate vector bosons, and photons), which are responsible for the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces, along with the more controversial Higgs boson. The standard model was first formulated in the 1970s and was tested repeatedly in the 1980s. It correctly predicted the existence and properties of W and Z bosons. It does not, however, unify all forces, since it does not include an explanation of gravity; a boson called the graviton that might be the mediator of gravity has not been found and cannot be accounted for in the model.

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standard model Cultural  

1. The best theory of the ultimate nature of matter available today. In this theory, all matter is made from quarks and leptons. Particles interact with each other through the medium of the strong force, the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the gravitational force. At high temperature, the theory sees the first three of these forces as an example of a single unified force.

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The standard model describes the early evolution of the big bang.

The standard model is a unified field theory.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

standard model

China designed one standard model for clinical trials, compared with a less streamlined system in the U.S.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Sep. 25, 2026

Such a possibility would conflict with the standard model, which assumes that dark energy remains constant.

From Science Daily ● Sep. 13, 2026

"Recent observations hint that our standard model of the universe is incorrect," she told a press conference on Saturday, adding that Roman will help clear that up.

From Barron's ● Aug. 30, 2026

To illustrate, consider a scenario in which you purchase an iPhone 17 standard model, which retails for around $800, with bitcoin that you purchased for half its current price.

From MarketWatch ● Jun. 11, 2026

The fractious archaeological community embraced his ideas with rare unanimity; they rapidly became the standard model for the peopling of the Americas.

From "1491" by Charles C. Mann