betatron

noun

be·​ta·​tron ˈbā-tə-ˌträn How to pronounce betatron (audio)
: an accelerator in which electrons are propelled by the inductive action of a rapidly varying magnetic field

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary

First Known Use

1941, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of betatron was in 1941

Rhymes for betatron

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Browse Nearby Words

beta-thalassemia
betatron
Beta Ursae Majoris
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Cite this Entry

“Betatron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/betatron. Accessed 8 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

betatron

noun
be·​ta·​tron ˈbāt-ə-ˌträn How to pronounce betatron (audio)
: a device that speeds up electrons by the action of a rapidly changing magnetic field

More from Merriam-Webster on betatron

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about betatron

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