quarks

1. In physics , the elementary particles that make up the protons and neutrons that in turn make up the atomic nucleus . Quarks are the most basic known constituent of matter . ( See antimatter .)

Notes

No quarks have been seen in the laboratory because, according to current theory , they cannot exist as free particles.

Example Sentences

Their approach attempts to illuminate a cosmological constant as well as the properties of leptons and quarks.

From Salon

Immediately following the Big Bang, physicists estimate, based on QCD, that the universe was an immensely hot plasma of quarks and gluons that then quickly cooled and combined to produce protons and neutrons.

From Science Daily

It's what "glues" quarks together to make up other subatomic particles, such as protons or neutrons.

From Science Daily

The event gave rise to an abundance of subatomic particles such as quarks and electrons.

From Science Daily

This is a plasma "soup" of quarks and gluons that have been set free, or "deconfined," from nuclear matter -- protons and neutrons -- in the particle collisions.

From Science Daily