subatomic particle

American  

[suhb-uh-tahm-ik pahr-ti-kuhl] / ˌsʌb əˈtɑm ɪk ˈpɑr tɪ kəl /

noun

plural

subatomic particles

1. Physics. any of various basic constituents of matter that are smaller than an atom, such as a proton, electron, or gluon.

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subatomic particle Scientific  

/ sŭb′ə-tŏm′ĭk /

1. Any of various particles of matter that are smaller than a hydrogen atom. Protons, neutrons, and electrons are subatomic particles, as are all hadrons and leptons.

2. See also composite particle elementary particle

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Example Sentences

Every time one tiny subatomic particle smashes into another during experiments at the LHC, the impact generates staggering volumes of data – about one petabyte per second.

From BBC • Jul. 1, 2024

At 2.4 x 1020eV, the energy of this single subatomic particle is equivalent to dropping a brick on your toe from waist height.

From Science Daily • Nov. 23, 2023

The largest scientific project in Antarctica, ICECUBE, attempts to quantify and trace an unfathomably small subatomic particle — the neutrino.

From Salon • May 29, 2023

Through what’s called beta-minus decay, a neutron will transform into a proton, spitting out an electron and another subatomic particle called a neutrino in the process.

From Scientific American • Jan. 9, 2023

When a subatomic particle travels very fast, it survives longer than expected before it decays, because its clock is slow.

From "Zero: The Biography of a Dangerous Idea" by Charles Seife