noun

hadron

HAD-ron

Quiz me More like this

Hadron (noun) means a subatomic particle made of two or more quarks bound together by the strong nuclear force, such as a proton or neutron. Example: “The Large Hadron Collider smashes hadrons together at near light speed to study fundamental particles.”

noun

A subatomic particle made of two or more quarks bound together by the strong nuclear force, such as a proton or neutron.

"The Large Hadron Collider smashes hadrons together at near light speed to study fundamental particles."

How to use hadron

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishA particle, like a proton or neutron, built from smaller quarks held together by the strong force.

When to use it

A technical physics term, best known from the "Large Hadron Collider."

Vocabulary Flow

Build your vocabulary from words like hadron.

Vocabulary Flow serves the next word, and the next — meaning, pronunciation and an example each time. Practice at your level, or learn English in your own language.

Start vocabulary practice

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: hadrons

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

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The Large _____ Collider smashes hadrons together at near light speed to study fundamental particles.

Etymology

Coined in 1962 by physicist Lev Okun from Greek hadros ("thick, bulky") plus the particle-physics suffix -on.

Origin: Greek · First attested 1962

Class of 1962 hadron joined the language around 1962.

download gulliver

See the full Class of 1962 →

Rhymes for hadron

squadron

See all rhymes for hadron →

Frequently asked questions

What does “hadron” mean?

The word “hadron” means a subatomic particle made of two or more quarks bound together by the strong nuclear force, such as a proton or neutron. In plain terms, a particle, like a proton or neutron, built from smaller quarks held together by the strong force.

How do you pronounce “hadron”?

“Hadron” is pronounced HAD-ron (/ˈhæd.ɹɑn/ in IPA).

How do you use “hadron” in a sentence?

Here is “hadron” used in a sentence: “The Large Hadron Collider smashes hadrons together at near light speed to study fundamental particles.”

What part of speech is “hadron”?

“Hadron” is a noun.

Where does the word “hadron” come from?

The word “hadron” dates back to around 1962 and comes from Greek. Coined in 1962 by physicist Lev Okun from Greek hadros ("thick, bulky") plus the particle-physics suffix -on.