spinor

[ spin-er ]

/ ˈspɪn ər /

Save This Word!

noun Mathematics, Physics.

a quantity resembling a vector or tensor that is used in physics to represent the spins of fermions.

QUIZ

QUIZ YOURSELF ON "WAS" VS. "WERE"!

Were you ready for a quiz on this topic? Well, here it is! See how well you can differentiate between the uses of "was" vs. "were" in this quiz.

Question 1 of 7

“Was” is used for the indicative past tense of “to be,” and “were” is only used for the subjunctive past tense.

Origin of spinor

1930–35; equivalent to spin + -or², as in vector, tensor