electroweak theory

[ ih-lek-troh-week theer-ee ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a gauge theory that unifies quantum electrodynamics with the theory of weak interactions. Compare intermediate vector boson.

Word History and Origins

Origin of electroweak theory¹

First recorded in 1975–80; electro- + weak; alternative names after U.S. physicist Steven Weinberg (1933–2021) and Pakistani physicist Abdus Salam (1926–96)