cyclotron

[sahy-kluh-tron, sik-luh-]

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR cyclotron ON THESAURUS.COM

noun Physics.

an accelerator in which particles are propelled in spiral paths by the use of a constant magnetic field.

RELATED WORDS

accelerator, synchrotron

Origin of cyclotron

First recorded in 1930–35; cyclo- + -tron

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for cyclotron

Historical Examples of cyclotron

Construction on the rest of the cyclotron was resumed in 1945.
LRL Accelerators
Lawrence Radiation Laboratory
It may be interesting to note that the π0 meson was discovered with this cyclotron in 1950.
LRL Accelerators
Lawrence Radiation Laboratory
After the bombardment is completed the target is removed from the cyclotron.
LRL Accelerators
Lawrence Radiation Laboratory
However, Professor Lawrence hoped to reach 100 Mev with the new 184-inch cyclotron.
LRL Accelerators
Lawrence Radiation Laboratory
This tuned circuit, which is called the cyclotron resonator, is shown in Fig. 6.
LRL Accelerators
Lawrence Radiation Laboratory

British Dictionary definitions for cyclotron

cyclotron

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 © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for cyclotron

1935, from cyclo- + ending from electron.

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.

Culture definitions for cyclotron

cyclotron

[(seye-kluh-tron)]

The first kind of particle accelerator built.

Note

Cyclotrons are now used for special research projects.