noun
triton
TREYE-tuhn
Triton (noun) means the nucleus of a tritium atom, made up of one proton and two neutrons. Example: “Physicists studied how a triton behaves in fusion reactions.”
noun
1
The nucleus of a tritium atom, made up of one proton and two neutrons.
"Physicists studied how a triton behaves in fusion reactions."
2
A type of large sea snail with a pointed spiral shell.
"Divers found a triton shell wedged in the coral reef."
How to use triton
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishEither a tiny particle in nuclear physics, or a marine snail — both borrow from the name of the Greek sea god.
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Word forms
- Plural
- tritons
Fill the gap
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Physicists studied how a _____ behaves in fusion reactions.
Etymology
The physics sense derives from "tritium," from Greek tritos ("third"); the sea-god Triton, son of Poseidon, lends his name to the mollusc and to Neptune's largest moon.
Synonyms
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Rhymes for triton
See all rhymes for triton →Frequently asked questions
What does “triton” mean?
The word “triton” means the nucleus of a tritium atom, made up of one proton and two neutrons. In plain terms, either a tiny particle in nuclear physics, or a marine snail — both borrow from the name of the Greek sea god.
How do you pronounce “triton”?
“Triton” is pronounced TREYE-tuhn (/ˈtɹaɪtən/ in IPA).
How do you use “triton” in a sentence?
Here is “triton” used in a sentence: “Physicists studied how a triton behaves in fusion reactions.”
What part of speech is “triton”?
“Triton” is a noun.
Where does the word “triton” come from?
The word “triton” comes from Greek. The physics sense derives from "tritium," from Greek tritos ("third"); the sea-god Triton, son of Poseidon, lends his name to the mollusc and to Neptune's largest moon.
How many meanings does “triton” have?
“Triton” has 2 distinct senses listed in this dictionary. The most common is: the nucleus of a tritium atom, made up of one proton and two neutrons.
