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positron
noun
pos·i·tron
ˈpä-zə-ˌträn
: a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron
called also antielectron
Examples of positron in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The other part of the research involves using a positron emission tomography (PET) scanner, a live imaging system to monitor living cell therapies.
—
Dan Perry, Newsweek, 31 Jan. 2025
For example, the electron and positron differ only in charge, and the electron and the muon differ only in mass.
—
Paul Sutter, Space.com, 24 Dec. 2024
Most antimatter particles created in particle accelerators have been fairly simple: anti-protons, positrons, anti-tritium and anti-helium — that sort of thing.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024
No material is more volatile than antimatter, which is made of particles of equal mass but opposite charge to normal matter, so things like anti-protons and positrons, which are the antimatter version of electrons.
—
Keith Cooper, Space.com, 25 Dec. 2024
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Word History
Etymology
positive + -tron (as in electron)
First Known Use
1933, in the meaning defined above
Phrases Containing positron
Dictionary Entries Near positron
Cite this Entry
“Positron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/positron. Accessed 11 Feb. 2025.
Kids Definition
positron
noun
pos·i·tron
ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn
: a positively charged particle having the same mass and size of charge as the electron
Medical Definition
positron
noun
pos·i·tron
ˈpäz-ə-ˌträn
: a positively charged particle having the same mass and magnitude of charge as the electron and constituting the antiparticle of the electron
called also positive electron
More from Merriam-Webster on positron
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about positron
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