: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
Examples of neutron in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
Around neutron stars, atoms can turn into much heavier elements by accumulating many neutrons at once and decaying a series of times.
—
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
These elements are thought to form through a series of nuclear reactions known as the rapid neutron capture process, or r-process, which was long theorized to occur only under extreme conditions such as those in supernovas or neutron star mergers.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 7 May 2025
While protons are trapped in the jet by its strong magnetic fields, chargeless neutrons can get forced out of the jet into the surrounding hot cocoon of material.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
On the other hand, nuclear fusion combines two light atomic nuclei—the cores of atoms, consisting of protons and neutrons—into one heavier atomic nucleus.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutron
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to
show current usage.
Read More
Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors.
Send us feedback.
Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 7 May 2025
These elements are thought to form through a series of nuclear reactions known as the rapid neutron capture process, or r-process, which was long theorized to occur only under extreme conditions such as those in supernovas or neutron star mergers.
—Victoria Corless, Space.com, 7 May 2025
While protons are trapped in the jet by its strong magnetic fields, chargeless neutrons can get forced out of the jet into the surrounding hot cocoon of material.
—Mohammed Soliman, MSNBC Newsweek, 28 Apr. 2025
On the other hand, nuclear fusion combines two light atomic nuclei—the cores of atoms, consisting of protons and neutrons—into one heavier atomic nucleus.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 18 Apr. 2025
See All Example Sentences for neutron
Cite this Entry
“Neutron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/neutron. Accessed 12 May. 2025.
Copy CitationKids Definition
neutron
noun
neu·tron
ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn 
: an uncharged atomic particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
Medical Definition
neutron
noun
neu·tron
ˈn(y)ü-ˌträn
: an uncharged elementary particle that has a mass nearly equal to that of the proton and is present in all known atomic nuclei except the hydrogen nucleus
Love words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share