cyclotron

noun

cy·​clo·​tron ˈsī-klə-ˌträn How to pronounce cyclotron (audio)
: an accelerator in which charged particles (such as protons, deuterons, or ions) are propelled by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

Examples of cyclotron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Once the isotopes were prepared and the cyclotron was running, the process became a waiting game. — Max Springer, Scientific American, 24 July 2024 The Japanese had cyclotrons but no nuclear lobby driven by frightened, concerned, or ambitious scientists. — Literary Hub, 23 Oct. 2025 Proton therapy is a noninvasive radiation treatment in which hydrogen ions are accelerated through a cyclotron to form a high-energy beam used to destroy DNA in tumors. — IEEE Spectrum, 18 Aug. 2025 Then, imaging in 2004 emerged — but the first technique to visualize those signposts of the disease in the brain required a cyclotron — a pricey machine that accelerated radioactive particles to high speeds before focusing them on the brain. — Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 May 2025 See All Example Sentences for cyclotron

Word History

Etymology

cycl- + -tron; from the circular movement of the particles

First Known Use

1935, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of cyclotron was in 1935

Browse Nearby Words

Cyclotosaurus
cyclotron
cyclotron resonance
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Cite this Entry

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

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Kids Definition

cyclotron

noun
cy·​clo·​tron ˈsī-klə-ˌträn How to pronounce cyclotron (audio)
: a device in which charged particles are propelled to high speeds by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

Medical Definition

cyclotron

noun
cy·​clo·​tron ˈsī-klə-ˌträn How to pronounce cyclotron (audio)
: an accelerator in which charged particles (as protons, deuterons, or ions) are propelled by an alternating electric field in a constant magnetic field

More from Merriam-Webster on cyclotron

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about cyclotron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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