cyclotron
[ sahy-kluh-tron, sik-luh- ]
/ ˈsaɪ kləˌtrɒn, ˈsɪk lə- /
noun Physics.
an accelerator in which particles are propelled in spiral paths by the use of a constant magnetic field.
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Nearby words
cyclothymic personality, cyclotome, cyclotomic, cyclotomy, cyclotrimethylenetrinitramine, cyclotron, cyclotropia, cyd, cyder, cydnus, cyesis
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Examples from the Web for cyclotron
British Dictionary definitions for cyclotron
cyclotron
/ (ˈsaɪkləˌtrɒn) /
noun
a type of particle accelerator in which the particles spiral inside two D-shaped hollow metal electrodes placed facing each other under the effect of a strong vertical magnetic field, gaining energy by a high-frequency voltage applied between these electrodes
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Word Origin and History for cyclotron
Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
Science definitions for cyclotron
cyclotron
[ sī′klə-trŏn′ ]
A type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, in an outwardly spiraling path, greatly increasing their energies. Cyclotrons are used to bring about high-speed particle collisions in order to study subatomic structures. Compare linear accelerator. See also synchrocyclotron. See Note at particle accelerator.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.
Culture definitions for cyclotron
Note
Cyclotrons are now used for special research projects.
The New Dictionary of Cultural Literacy, Third Edition
Copyright © 2005 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.