Z boson
Britishnoun
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An electrically neutral subatomic particle that mediates the weak nuclear force. The Z boson has a mass 182,000 times that of the electron. Unlike the other weak force mediator (the W boson), it does not change particles it interacts with into other types of particles. Like the photon, the Z boson is its own antiparticle.
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See Table at subatomic particle
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
Because the Z boson itself barely interacts with the plasma, the researchers could attribute these wake patterns directly to individual quarks traveling through the material.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
They repeatedly found fluid-like patterns of splashes and swirling motion in the direction opposite the Z boson.
From Science Daily ● Oct. 6, 2026
The electromagnetic force is conveyed by the photon, the strong force by the gluon, and the weak force by particles called the W boson and Z boson.
From Science Magazine ● Mar. 27, 2024
A different type of particle smasher, called an electron-positron collider, should produce only a Higgs and another particle called a Z boson.
From BBC ● Mar. 30, 2018
Its identity is not yet known, but candidates include a heavier type of Z boson — a Zʹ— or a ‘leptoquark’.
From Nature ● Jun. 6, 2017
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