proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän 

: 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

prō-ˈtä-nik 

adjective

Examples of proton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Consider a particle such as a proton, which is made from three even smaller particles called quarks. —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024

They're predicted by the theory of quantum chromodynamics, which concerns how the strong force binds quarks together to form protons and neutrons (and hyperons). —Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024

Electrons gently tug on protons in the lattice, drawing them inward to create an excess of positive charge. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Dec. 2024

They are created when protons and neutrons collide, which generates particles known as pions that then decay into muons. —IEEE Spectrum, 3 Dec. 2024

Word History

Etymology

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

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing proton

• proton pump inhibitor
• proton synchrotron

Kids Definition

proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän 

: 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

prō-ˈtän-ik 

adjective

Medical Definition

proton

noun

pro·​ton ˈprō-ˌtän 

: 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

prō-ˈtän-ik 

adjective