positron

American  

[poz-i-tron] / ˈpɒz ɪˌtrɒn /

noun

Physics.

1. an elementary particle having the same mass and spin as an electron but having a positive charge equal in magnitude to that of the electron's negative charge; the antiparticle of the electron.

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positron British  

/ ˈpɒzɪˌtrɒn /

noun

1. physics the antiparticle of the electron, having the same mass but an equal and opposite charge. It is produced in certain decay processes and in pair production, annihilation occurring when it collides with an electron

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positron Scientific  

/ pŏz′ĭ-trŏn′ /

1. The antiparticle that corresponds to an electron.

2. Also called antielectron

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positron Cultural  

1. The antiparticle for an electron; it has the same mass as an electron, but carries a positive charge.

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Discover More

Positrons are found in collisions initiated by cosmic rays.

Etymology

Origin of positron

First recorded in 1930–35; posi(tive) + (elec)tron

Example Sentences

Positronium, on the other hand, consists of an electron and its antimatter equivalent, a positron.

From BBC • Feb. 22, 2024

Positronic compounds, namely bound states of positrons with regular atoms, molecules, or ions, represent an intriguing aspect of positron-matter interactions and have been studied experimentally via observation of positron annihilation in gases.

From Science Daily • Oct. 10, 2023

Benson and Stronach’s 1/ST Racing chief operating officer, Aidan Butler, point to the company’s investment in standing positron emission tomography machines as one innovation that has reduced fatalities.

From Washington Times • May 17, 2023

Neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging or positron emission tomography can reveal FTD-indicating signs of damage or functional abnormalities in the brain.

From Scientific American • Mar. 9, 2023

In 1930 he predicted the existence of the positron, a positively charged electron.

From "Big Science" by Michael Hiltzik