supersymmetry

[ soo-per-sim-i-tree ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a hypothetical symmetry among groups of particles containing fermions and bosons, especially in theories of gravity supergravity that unify electromagnetism, the weak force, and the strong force with gravity into a single unified force.

supersymmetry

/ ˌsuːpəˈsɪmɪtrɪ /

noun

1. physics a symmetry of elementary particles having a higher order than that in the standard model, postulated to encompass the behaviour of both bosons and fermions

supersymmetry

/ so̅o̅′pər-sĭm′ĭ-trē /

1. A theory of physics that states that for each boson (a subatomic particle that carries a fundamental force, such as the photon, which carries the electromagnetic force) there is a corresponding fermion with the same mass. The theory is an attempt to unify the fundamental forces of matter under one theory. Supersymmetry has not been shown to hold in the real world, though some scientists suspect that evidence for it may be found only at extremely high energies; some also believe that certain particles predicted by the theory may make up dark matter .

Word History and Origins

Origin of supersymmetry¹

First recorded in 1970–75; super- + symmetry

Example Sentences

Though supersymmetry isn’t fully ruled out, the possibilities for the theory are far more limited.

From Science News

Supersymmetry predicts multiple Higgs bosons, but there are plenty of other ideas that envision Higgs accomplices.

From Science News

For unrelated reasons, theorists have also long suggested that nature possesses mysterious types of tiny particles predicted by a theoretical mathematical framework known as supersymmetry, or SUSY for short.

From Science News

Supersymmetry just might be not as simple as it first seemed.

From Science News

Physicists bandy around concepts like supersymmetry, technicolor, and extra dimensions.

From The Daily Beast