quantum chromodynamics
noun
plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a theory of fundamental particles based on the assumption that quarks are distinguished by differences in color (see color entry 1 sense 15) and are held together (as in hadrons) by an exchange of gluons
Quantum chromodynamics equations describe the characteristics and behavior of quarks and the peculiar force that binds different quarks and antiquarks together to create protons, neutrons, and other subatomic particles known as hadrons.—
I. Peterson
I. PetersonExamples of quantum chromodynamics in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The traditional axion arises from the Peccei-Quinn extension to the theory of quantum chromodynamics (QCD), which describes another of the four fundamental forces, the strong force.
—Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2022
Misunderstanding quantum chromodynamics, a subject many physicists fear, is not at all surprising.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2023
More recently, theorists have begun using a new tool to calculate hadronic blobs: lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD).
—Daniel Garisto, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2023
They were originally proposed to ensure that quantum chromodynamics, which describes the behavior of the strong force that holds protons and neutrons together, doesn't break the conservation of charge parity.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for quantum chromodynamics 
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of
Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback
about these examples.
Chanda Prescod-Weinstein, Scientific American, 1 Apr. 2022
Misunderstanding quantum chromodynamics, a subject many physicists fear, is not at all surprising.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 28 Sep. 2023
More recently, theorists have begun using a new tool to calculate hadronic blobs: lattice quantum chromodynamics (QCD).
—Daniel Garisto, Scientific American, 10 Aug. 2023
They were originally proposed to ensure that quantum chromodynamics, which describes the behavior of the strong force that holds protons and neutrons together, doesn't break the conservation of charge parity.
—John Timmer, Ars Technica, 21 Apr. 2023
See all Example Sentences for quantum chromodynamics
Dictionary Entries Near quantum chromodynamics
Cite this Entry
“Quantum chromodynamics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20chromodynamics. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share