axion

American  

[ak-see-on] / ˈæk siˌɒn /

noun

Physics.

1. a hypothetical particle having no charge, zero spin, and small mass: postulated in some forms of quantum chromodynamics.

---

axion British  

/ ˈæksɪˌon /

noun

1. physics a hypothetical neutral elementary particle postulated to account for certain conservation laws in the strong interaction

---

Etymology

Origin of axion

1978; perhaps axi(al current) + -on ¹

Example Sentences

Through these mechanisms, the reactor could theoretically produce axions or axion like particles.

From Science Daily

In this model, the PQ symmetry is kept as a global symmetry rather than being "gauged," which protects the delicate axion physics needed to solve the strong-CP problem.

From Science Daily

In solving this puzzle, the PQ symmetry introduces the axion, a hypothetical particle that is a leading candidate for dark matter.

From Science Daily

These include additional exotic interactions, Axion halos, and CPT violation studies.

From Science Daily

The high-speed motion of orbiting sensors increases the coupling between axion halos and nucleon spins, producing a tenfold sensitivity improvement compared with Earth-based dark matter searches.

From Science Daily