boson

[ boh-son ]

noun

, Physics.

1. any particle that obeys Bose-Einstein statistics: bosons have integral spins: 0, 1, 2, …

boson

/ ˈbəʊzɒn /

noun

1. any of a group of elementary particles, such as a photon or pion, that has zero or integral spin and obeys the rules of Bose-Einstein statistics Compare fermion

boson

/ bō′sŏn /

1. Any of a class of elementary or composite particles, including the photon, pion, and gluon, that are not subject to the Pauli exclusion principle (that is, any two bosons can potentially be in the same quantum state ). The value of the spin of a boson is always an integer. Mesons are bosons, as are the gauge bosons (the particles that mediate the fundamental forces). They are named after the physicist Satyendra Nath Bose.
2. Compare fermionSee Note at elementary particleSee Table at subatomic particle

Word History and Origins

Origin of boson¹

1945–50; named after S. N. Bose (1894–1974), Indian physicist; -on ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of boson¹

C20: named after Satyendra Nath Bose ; see -on

Example Sentences

However, spins in real devices also interact with light and vibrations known as bosons, greatly complicating calculations.

From Science Daily

At the 2012 seminar announcing the discovery of the Higgs boson, he declined questions from the press, saying, “Now is not the time or the place.”

From Science Magazine

But the particle became known as the Higgs boson - and for 50 years scientists looked for it using some of the most spectacular technology on Earth.

From BBC

He was awarded the Nobel prize for Physics in 2013 for his revolutionary work showing how the boson helps bind the Universe together.

From BBC

The electromagnetic force is conveyed by the photon, the strong force by the gluon, and the weak force by particles called the W boson and Z boson.

From Science Magazine