Pauli exclusion principle

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noun Physics.

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Origin of Pauli exclusion principle

First recorded in 1925–30; named after W. Pauli

Words nearby Pauli exclusion principle

Paul-Boncour, Paul Bunyan, pauldron, Paulette, Paul I, Pauli exclusion principle, Paul II, Paul III, Pauline, Pauline privilege, Pauling

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

British Dictionary definitions for Pauli exclusion principle

Pauli exclusion principle

noun

physics the principle that two identical fermions cannot occupy the same quantum state in a body such as an atomSometimes shortened to: exclusion principle

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

Scientific definitions for Pauli exclusion principle

Pauli exclusion principle

[ pô′lē, pou′- ]

The principle that two fermions of a given type, such as electrons, protons, or neutrons, cannot occupy the same quantum state. It does not apply to bosons. This principle plays a key role in the electron orbital structure of atoms, since it prevents more than two electrons from occupying any given orbital (two are allowed, since they may have opposite spin, and thus be in different quantum states). See also orbital degeneracy pressure.