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noun

hadron

HAD-ron

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
1
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."

Word forms

hadrons plural

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

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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.
See the full Class of 1962 →

Rhymes for hadron

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.

Definitions: FreeDict original editorial