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

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

Take the muon, a subatomic particle that became briefly famous last year.

From New York Times • Jun. 13, 2022

“Well, I know a quark is a subatomic particle, but if you ask me, it also sounds like the noise a subatomic duck might make.”

From "Shine!" by J.J. and Chris Grabenstein