standard model

American  

noun

Physics.

1. a mathematical description of the elementary particles of matter and the fundamental forces by which they interact and behave; a model combining electromagnetic and weak forces.

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standard model British  

noun

1. physics a theory of fundamental interactions in which the electromagnetic, weak, and strong interactions are described in terms of the exchange of virtual particles

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standard model Scientific  

1. A theory of subatomic particles and their interactions. The standard model is a kind of quantum field theory and states that all matter consists of three types of particles: leptons, quarks, and the gauge bosons (gluons, intermediate vector bosons, and photons), which are responsible for the strong, weak, and electromagnetic forces, along with the more controversial Higgs boson. The standard model was first formulated in the 1970s and was tested repeatedly in the 1980s. It correctly predicted the existence and properties of W and Z bosons. It does not, however, unify all forces, since it does not include an explanation of gravity; a boson called the graviton that might be the mediator of gravity has not been found and cannot be accounted for in the model.

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standard model Cultural  

1. The best theory of the ultimate nature of matter available today. In this theory, all matter is made from quarks and leptons. Particles interact with each other through the medium of the strong force, the electromagnetic force, the weak force, and the gravitational force. At high temperature, the theory sees the first three of these forces as an example of a single unified force.

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Discover More

The standard model describes the early evolution of the big bang.

The standard model is a unified field theory.

Example Sentences

To illustrate, consider a scenario in which you purchase an iPhone 17 standard model, which retails for around $800, with bitcoin that you purchased for half its current price.

From MarketWatch • Jun. 11, 2026

Today's standard picture of the universe is built on Einstein's general theory of relativity and the standard model of particle physics.

From Science Daily • Jan. 11, 2026

Cigna Healthcare will adopt this model for its fully insured customers beginning in 2027 and the model will become the standard model available to all Evernorth benefits clients the following year.

From The Wall Street Journal • Oct. 27, 2025

Although the bike is a new "standard model", Mr Davis said he was hoping the auction would raise more than its ordinary price tag.

From BBC • Jan. 31, 2025

The Chevy they drove was nothing fancy, a standard model.

From "A Deadly Wandering: A Mystery, a Landmark Investigation, and the Astonishing Science of Attention in the Digital Age" by Matt Richtel