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.

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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

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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

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Other Word Forms

• baryonic
  adjective

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Etymology

Origin of baryon

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

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Example Sentences

See Examples For:

baryon

Astronomers call the exchange of material into and out of galaxies baryon cycling.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 2, 2026

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

Determining what actually carries baryon number matters far beyond the internal structure of a proton.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

The possibility that gluons carry baryon number would overturn the standard simplified description found in many textbooks.

From Science Daily ● Aug. 16, 2026

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