particle physics

American  

noun

1. the branch of physics that deals with the properties and behavior of elementary particles.

---

particle physics British  

noun

1. Also called: high-energy physics.  the study of fundamental particles and their properties

---

particle physics Scientific  

1. The branch of physics that deals with subatomic particles.

2. See also quantum field theory quantum mechanics

---

particle physics Cultural  

1. The branch of science devoted to the study of the basic constituents of matter, particularly the constituents of the atomic nucleus.

---

Etymology

Origin of particle physics

First recorded in 1945–50

Example Sentences

He added that the UK was and would continue to be the second biggest funder of particle physics experiments at CERN.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Prof Jon Butterworth of University College London, described the level of cuts as "existentially threatening" to UK particle physics.

From BBC • Mar. 17, 2026

Large scale particle physics experiments often produce benefits beyond fundamental science.

From Science Daily • Mar. 3, 2026

Observing such a process would break a fundamental rule of particle physics called lepton flavor conservation, which is a key part of the Standard Model, and would provide direct evidence for physics beyond existing theories.

From Science Daily • Feb. 2, 2026

In fact, everything in particle physics was about to get a whole lot more complicated.

From "A Short History of Nearly Everything" by Bill Bryson

Related Words

• quantum mechanics