proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän How to pronounce proton (audio)
: an elementary particle that is identical with the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, that along with the neutron is a constituent of all other atomic nuclei, that carries a positive charge numerically equal to the charge of an electron, and that has a mass of 1.673 × 10−27 kilogram
protonic adjective

Examples of proton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Read for yourself: Andromeda stepped back in terror, only to feel her proton backplate meet the cold, unforgiving steel of the mainframe’s terminus. Sean McGowan, The New Yorker, 19 June 2024 These would have been even smaller — just the mass of a rhino, condensed into less than the volume of a single proton. Jacopo Prisco, CNN, 17 June 2024 Occasionally, heavy atomic nuclei spontaneously—and for no good reason—transform themselves, with either a neutron converting into a proton or vice-versa. Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 11 June 2024 To make element 118, oganesson, scientists beam calcium at californium (98 protons). Stephanie Pappas, Scientific American, 14 May 2024 See all Example Sentences for proton 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'proton.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Greek prōton, neuter of prōtos first — more at proto-

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of proton was in 1920

Dictionary Entries Near proton

Cite this Entry

“Proton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/proton. Accessed 30 Jun. 2024.

Kids Definition

proton

noun
pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän How to pronounce proton (audio)
: an atomic particle that occurs in the nucleus of every atom and carries a positive charge equal in size to the negative charge of an electron
protonic adjective

Medical Definition

proton

noun
pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän How to pronounce proton (audio)
: an elementary particle that is identical with the nucleus of the hydrogen atom, that along with neutrons is a constituent of all other atomic nuclei, that carries a positive charge numerically equal to the charge of an electron, and that has a mass of 1.673×10−24 gram
protonic adjective

More from Merriam-Webster on proton

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