slow neutron

noun Physics.

a neutron with low kinetic energy, especially one slowed by the moderator in a nuclear reactor.

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Also called thermal neutron.

Origin of slow neutron

First recorded in 1930–35

OTHER WORDS FROM slow neutron

slow-neu·tron, adjective

Words nearby slow neutron

slow infection, slow loris, slow march, slow match, slow motion, slow neutron, slow on the uptake, slow spot, slow time, slow up, slow virus
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2020

British Dictionary definitions for slow neutron

slow neutron

noun

physics a neutron having a kinetic energy of less than 100 electronvolts
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 slow neutron

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.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.