elementary particle

NOUN

basic constituent of matter

Synonyms

WEAK

atomic particle fundamental particle subatomic particle ultraelementary particle

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

Scientists can use them to test whether certain hypothesized light-weight elementary particles exist and how massive they are.

From Science Daily

The Nobel committee praised "their penetrating investigation... which has led to important discoveries regarding the elementary particles".

From BBC

Researchers believe it is composed of a still-undetected type of elementary particle.

From Science Daily

Finally elementary particles are protons, electrons, neutrons and all other particles that are smaller than an atom.

From Salon

Quarks and gluons are the fundamental building blocks of protons and neutrons -- elementary particles that combined to forge the basic elements of the periodic table.

From Science Daily