elementary particle

noun

: any of the particles of which matter and energy are composed or which mediate the fundamental forces of nature
especially : one whose existence has not been attributed to the combination of other more fundamental entities

Examples of elementary particle 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.
Almost every elementary particle has a twin through the looking glass. — Zack Savitsky, Wired News, 22 June 2025 The vibrations are the interactions that occur between electrons and phonons, which are the two main elementary particles in solids. — IEEE Spectrum, 3 May 2016 The known elementary particles and their interactions obey a set of equations called the Standard Model of particle physics. — Quanta Magazine, 15 June 2026 Physicists consider this the upper limit for the mass of any single elementary particle, with any particle above this collapsing to birth a microscopic black hole. — Robert Lea, Space.com, 3 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for elementary particle

Word History

First Known Use

1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of elementary particle was in 1934

Rhymes for elementary particle

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Browse Nearby Words

elementary geometry
elementary particle
elementary school
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Cite this Entry

“Elementary particle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/elementary%20particle. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Kids Definition

elementary particle

noun
: any of the particles (as electrons or photons) of matter and energy that are smaller than atoms and do not appear to be made up of a combination of more basic things

Medical Definition

elementary particle

noun
1
: any of the particles of which matter and energy are composed or which mediate the fundamental forces of nature
especially : one (as the photon or the electron) whose existence has not been attributed to the combination of other more fundamental entities
2
: one of the structural units of mitochondrial cristae that are observable by the electron microscope usually as spheres or stalked spheres and are probably the seat of fundamental energy-producing reactions

More from Merriam-Webster on elementary particle

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about elementary particle

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