baryon

[ bar-ee-on ]

noun

, Physics.

1. a proton, neutron, or any elementary particle that decays into a set of particles that includes a proton.

baryon

/ ˈbærɪˌɒn /

noun

1. any of a class of elementary particles that have a mass greater than or equal to that of the proton, participate in strong interactions, and have a spin of 1 2 . Baryons are either nucleons or hyperons. The baryon number is the number of baryons in a system minus the number of antibaryons

baryon

/ băr′ē-ŏn′ /

1. Any of a family of subatomic particles composed of three quarks or three antiquarks. They are generally more massive than mesons, and interact with each other via the strong force. Baryons form a subclass of hadrons and are subdivided into nucleons and hyperons. Protons and neutrons are baryons.
2. See Table at subatomic particle

Other Words From

• bar·y·on·ic [bar-ee-, on, -ik], adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of baryon¹

1950–55; < Greek barý ( s ) heavy + (fermi)on

Word History and Origins

Origin of baryon¹

C20: bary- , from Greek barus heavy + -on

Example Sentences

When I say baryons, I mean the stuff that everything we can see is generally made of.

From Vox

One of those observations is BOSS: the Baryon Oscillation Spectroscopic Survey.

From The Daily Beast

Baryon oscillation is basically sound waves in the early Universe.

From The Daily Beast