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dalton

1 American  
[dawl-tn] / ˈdɔl tn /

noun

Physics.
  1. atomic mass unit.


Dalton 2 American  
[dawl-tn] / ˈdɔl tn /

noun

  1. John, 1766–1844, English chemist and physicist.

  2. Robert, 1867–92, U.S. outlaw in the West.

  3. a city in NW Georgia.

  4. a male given name.


Dalton 1 British  
/ ˈdɔːltən /

noun

  1. John. 1766–1844, English chemist and physicist, who formulated the modern form of the atomic theory and the law of partial pressures for gases. He also gave the first accurate description of colour blindness, from which he suffered

"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

dalton 2 British  
/ ˈdɔːltən /

noun

  1. another name for atomic mass unit

"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

Dalton 1 Scientific  
  1. British chemist whose pioneering work on the properties of the atmosphere and gases led him to formulate the atomic theory. Dalton's theory stipulates that all matter is made up of combinations of atoms, the atoms of each element being identical. These atoms can be neither created nor destroyed, but chemical reactions take place through their rearrangement.


dalton 2 Scientific  
/ dôl′tən /

Etymology

Origin of dalton

First recorded in 1935–40; named after J. Dalton


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.

See Examples For:

One dalton is defined as one-twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom.

From Science Daily ● Oct. 22, 2026

Am I the only one that noticed Bronny was sent down to the G League and Dalton had a successful debut with the Knicks?

From Los Angeles Times ● Nov. 7, 2026

Backup catcher Dalton Rushing underwent elbow surgery last week.

From Los Angeles Times ● Oct. 30, 2026

As for Dalton, he says he’s “90% sure” he’ll keep the Duo.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

Both Dalton and Basinski were able to get replacements at their local Apple Stores.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Oct. 27, 2026

“He won’t make you do that,” Dalton tells her, but she doesn’t seem too sure.

From "Dry" by Neal Shusterman and Jarrod Shusterman

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