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Compton

American  
[komp-tuhn] / ˈkɒmp tən /

noun

  1. Arthur Holly 1892–1962, U.S. physicist: Nobel Prize 1927.

  2. his brother Karl Taylor 1887–1954, U.S. physicist.

  3. Spencer, Earl of Wilmington, 1673?–1743, British statesman: prime minister 1742–43.

  4. a city in SW California.


Compton British  

noun

  1. Arthur Holly. 1892–1962, US physicist, noted for his research on X-rays, gamma rays, and nuclear energy: Nobel prize for physics 1927

  2. Denis . 1918–97, English cricketer, who played for Middlesex and England (1937–57); broke two records in 1947 scoring 3816 runs and 18 centuries in one season

"Collins English Dictionary — Complete & Unabridged" 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Compton Scientific  
/ kŏmptən /
  1. American physicist who showed that when particles of light (called photons) collide with other particles, such as electrons, they lose energy and momentum and the light's wavelength increases. For his discovery of this phenomenon (which became known as the Compton effect) he shared the 1927 Nobel Prize for physics with Charles Wilson. He also discovered the electrical nature of cosmic rays.


Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

David Compton, a 71-year old retired family physician, left his practice 10 years ago after having trouble concentrating.

From The Wall Street Journal

Metro A Line in Compton as part of her daily work commute.

From Los Angeles Times

Addressing reporters on Tuesday, Armstrong, Porter’s mother, said she remained heartbroken by the thought of waking up every day without her son, who was a Compton native and father of two.

From Los Angeles Times

To say that DeAndre Cole inherited a difficult challenge when he became the boys’ basketball coach at Compton Centennial this season would be an understatement.

From Los Angeles Times

“Growing up, I didn’t now about what was happening in Compton, but I heard it in the music I listened to,” Allen said.

From Los Angeles Times