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neutron

noun

neu·​tron ˈnü-ˌträn How to pronounce neutron (audio)
ˈnyü-
: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
neutronic adjective

Examples of neutron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The team highlighted that during experiments at NIF, lasers heated the capsules to extremely high temperatures, causing thermonuclear reactions that produced neutrons. Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 9 Jan. 2026 This has led scientists to suggest a whole host of hypothetical particles to account for dark matter, which go beyond the standard model of particle physics and the electrons, protons and neutrons that make up the atoms that compose all everyday matter, like stars, planets, moons and our bodies. Robert Lea, Space.com, 9 Jan. 2026 This alone isn't enough for nuclear fission to sustain itself, but at Oklo, groundwater that flowed through these rocks acted as a natural neutron moderator – similarly to how water is used in many of today's reactors. New Atlas, 8 Jan. 2026 But if the mass of the collapsing star is between 1 and 3 solar masses, the neutrons can stop the star from collapsing further, and a neutron star remains, as explained by NASA. Adam Harrington, CBS News, 23 Dec. 2025 See All Example Sentences for neutron

Word History

Etymology

probably from neutral

First Known Use

1921, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of neutron was in 1921

Cite this Entry

“Neutron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutron. Accessed 20 Jan. 2026.

Kids Definition

neutron

noun
neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn How to pronounce neutron (audio)
: an uncharged atomic particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

Medical Definition

neutron

noun
neu·​tron ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn How to pronounce neutron (audio)
: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus

More from Merriam-Webster on neutron

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