slow neutron
- a neutron with low kinetic energy, especially one slowed by the moderator in a nuclear reactor.
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Origin of slow neutron
First recorded in 1930–35
Also called thermal neutron.
Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
slow neutron
- physics a neutron having a kinetic energy of less than 100 electronvolts
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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
slow neutron
[slō]
- A neutron that is in thermal equilibrium with the surrounding medium, especially one produced by fission in a nuclear reactor, and slowed by a moderator. The uranium 235 used in thermal nuclear reactors undergoes fission more readily when struck by slow neutrons than when struck by the fast neutrons released by fission. Also called thermal neutron Compare fast neutron.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
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