beta particle
noun Physics.
an electron or positron emitted from an atomic nucleus in a certain type of radioactive decay.
Nearby words
beta function, beta globulin, beta granule, beta iron, beta line, beta particle, beta radiation, beta ray, beta receptor, beta rhythm, beta sheet
Origin of beta particle
First recorded in 1900–05
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for beta particle
beta particle
noun
a high-speed electron or positron emitted by a nucleus during radioactive decay or nuclear fission
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
© William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins
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Medicine definitions for beta particle
beta particle
n.
A high-speed electron or positron, especially one emitted from the nucleus of an atom in radioactive decay.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Science definitions for beta particle
beta particle
A high-speed electron or positron, usually emitted by an atomic nucleus undergoing radioactive decay. Beta particles are given off naturally by decaying neutrons in radioactive atoms and can be created in particle accelerators. Beta particles have greater speed and penetrating power than alpha particles but can be stopped by a sheet of aluminum that is 2 to 3 mm thick. See more at radioactive decay.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.