Jump To:

• dalton
  dalton

  noun

  atomic mass unit.
• Dalton
  Dalton

  noun

  John, 1766–1844, English chemist and physicist.

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

---

dalton ² British  

/ ˈdɔːltən /

noun

1. another name for atomic mass unit

---

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 /

1. See atomic mass unit

---

Etymology

Origin of dalton

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

Example Sentences

Like Johnson in “The Smashing Machine,” Gyllenhaal plays an UFC contender named Elwood Dalton, who’s disgraced after a tragedy in the ring.

From Salon • May 27, 2026

Neither Modi’s jawboning nor an estimated $100 billion in Reserve Bank of India intervention has stemmed the decline so far, though, says Venkat Pasupuleti, portfolio manager for India at Dalton Investments.

From Barron's • May 21, 2026

Dalton Rushing was shown on the game broadcast breaking his bat in the dugout and slamming his leg guard on the back bench after striking out in the fourth inning.

From Los Angeles Times • May 15, 2026

Aoife Dalton is partnered by Higgins in midfield with Dannah O'Brien and Emily Lane - who has three try assists in this year's tournament - remaining in the half-backs.

From BBC • May 7, 2026

For the first time, Mr. Dalton looked surprised.

From "The Lions of Little Rock" by Kristin Levine