Higgs
Higgs (adj) means relating to the Higgs mechanism or Higgs field, the theoretical framework explaining how elementary particles acquire mass. Example: “Physicists studied the Higgs boson to confirm the Higgs mechanism.”
How to use Higgs
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA word used almost exclusively in physics, referring to the theory (and particle) that explains why matter has mass.
Word forms
Higgsed past tense, Higgses plural, Higgses singular
Fill the gap
Can you complete this real example?
Physicists studied the _____ boson to confirm the Higgs mechanism.
Etymology
Named after the physicist Peter Higgs, who in 1964 proposed the mechanism that gives elementary particles mass.
Rhymes for Higgs
See all rhymes for Higgs →Frequently asked questions
What does “Higgs” mean?
The word “Higgs” means relating to the Higgs mechanism or Higgs field, the theoretical framework explaining how elementary particles acquire mass. In plain terms, a word used almost exclusively in physics, referring to the theory (and particle) that explains why matter has mass.
How do you pronounce “Higgs”?
“Higgs” is pronounced hihgz (/hɪɡz/ in IPA).
How do you use “Higgs” in a sentence?
Here is “Higgs” used in a sentence: “Physicists studied the Higgs boson to confirm the Higgs mechanism.”
What part of speech is “Higgs”?
“Higgs” is an adjective.
Where does the word “Higgs” come from?
The word “Higgs” dates back to around 1964. Named after the physicist Peter Higgs, who in 1964 proposed the mechanism that gives elementary particles mass.