particle physics

American  

noun

1. the branch of physics that deals with the properties and behavior of elementary particles.

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particle physics British  

noun

1. Also called: high-energy physics.  the study of fundamental particles and their properties

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particle physics Scientific  

1. The branch of physics that deals with subatomic particles.

2. See also quantum field theory quantum mechanics

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particle physics Cultural  

1. The branch of science devoted to the study of the basic constituents of matter, particularly the constituents of the atomic nucleus.

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Etymology

Origin of particle physics

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

According to the Standard Model, which is the leading framework in particle physics, there are three known types of neutrinos: electron, muon and tau.

From Science Daily

In the Standard Model of particle physics, mass arises through interactions with the Higgs field, which gives weight to particles such as the W and Z bosons.

From Science Daily

But the science that shapes our world, from particle physics to protein design to advanced materials, increasingly requires massive data sets, large integrated teams and sustained institutional support.

From The Wall Street Journal

The researchers argue that their results "provide, for the first time, a realistic particle physics model in which knots may play a crucial role in the origin of matter."

From Science Daily

Rapidly rotating black holes like those observed in this study now have yet another application -- in particle physics.

From Science Daily

Related Words

• quantum mechanics