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noun

graviton

GRAVIH-ton

Graviton (noun) means a theoretical particle that physicists believe would carry the force of gravity, though it has never been directly observed. Example: “Physicists have searched for decades for direct evidence of the graviton.”

noun
1
A theoretical particle that physicists believe would carry the force of gravity, though it has never been directly observed.
"Physicists have searched for decades for direct evidence of the graviton."

How to use graviton

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA hypothetical particle thought to carry the force of gravity, similar to how photons carry light.

Common pairings
hypothetical graviton graviton detection

Word forms

gravitons plural

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Fill the gap

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Physicists have searched for decades for direct evidence of the _____.

Etymology

From gravity + -on, coined by Soviet physicists in 1934 and later reintroduced by Paul Dirac in 1959.

· First attested 1934

Class of 1934 graviton joined the language around 1934.
See the full Class of 1934 →

Rhymes for graviton

See all rhymes for graviton →

Frequently asked questions

What does “graviton” mean?

The word “graviton” means a theoretical particle that physicists believe would carry the force of gravity, though it has never been directly observed. In plain terms, a hypothetical particle thought to carry the force of gravity, similar to how photons carry light.

How do you pronounce “graviton”?

“Graviton” is pronounced GRAVIH-ton (/ˈɡɹavɪtɒn/ in IPA).

How do you use “graviton” in a sentence?

Here is “graviton” used in a sentence: “Physicists have searched for decades for direct evidence of the graviton.”

What part of speech is “graviton”?

“Graviton” is a noun.

Where does the word “graviton” come from?

The word “graviton” dates back to around 1934. From gravity + -on, coined by Soviet physicists in 1934 and later reintroduced by Paul Dirac in 1959.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial