noun

boson

BOH-zon

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Boson (noun) means a type of subatomic particle with a whole-number spin, unlike particles such as electrons; photons and the Higgs particle are examples. Example: “The Higgs boson was confirmed experimentally in 2012.”

noun

A type of subatomic particle with a whole-number spin, unlike particles such as electrons; photons and the Higgs particle are examples.

"The Higgs boson was confirmed experimentally in 2012."

How to use boson

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA category of particle in physics defined by how it behaves in groups — distinct from fermions like electrons and protons.

When to use it

A technical physics term, rarely used outside science contexts except in phrases like "the God particle" (the Higgs boson).

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Word forms

Plural: bosons

Test yourself on “boson” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The Higgs _____ was confirmed experimentally in 2012.

Etymology

Named after the Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, whose work on particle statistics inspired the term; coined by physicist Paul Dirac in 1945.

· First attested 1945

Class of 1945 boson joined the language around 1945.

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See the full Class of 1945 →

Antonyms

fermion

Related words

fermion

Frequently asked questions

What does “boson” mean?

The word “boson” means a type of subatomic particle with a whole-number spin, unlike particles such as electrons; photons and the Higgs particle are examples. In plain terms, a category of particle in physics defined by how it behaves in groups — distinct from fermions like electrons and protons.

How do you pronounce “boson”?

“Boson” is pronounced BOH-zon (/ˈboʊ.zɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “boson” in a sentence?

Here is “boson” used in a sentence: “The Higgs boson was confirmed experimentally in 2012.”

What part of speech is “boson”?

“Boson” is a noun.

Where does the word “boson” come from?

The word “boson” dates back to around 1945. Named after the Indian physicist Satyendra Nath Bose, whose work on particle statistics inspired the term; coined by physicist Paul Dirac in 1945.

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