baryon

[bar-ee-on] /ˈbær iˌɒn/

noun, Physics.

a proton, neutron, or any elementary particle that decays into a set of particles that includes a proton.

Compare quark model.

Origin

1950-55; < Greek barý(s) heavy + (fermi)on

Related forms

baryonic

[bar-ee-on-ik] /ˌbær iˈɒn ɪk/ (Show IPA), adjective

Examples from the web for baryon

The proton is a baryon that consists of two up and one down quark, and the neutron is two down and one up.
When a baryon cloud collapses, the particles interact, converting some of the kinetic energy into light and heat.
If you know of a possible reason the landscape implies baryon number conservation, let's hear it.
In other words, the total baryon and lepton number of the reactants must equal the total baryon and lepton number of the products.
baryon oscillation as a ruler to measure the universe.
The baryon density is also constrained by the nucleosynthesis models of the early universe.
Hydrodynamic expansion entropy, baryon number conservation.

British Dictionary definitions for baryon

baryon

/ˈbærɪˌɒn/

noun

any of a class of elementary particles that have a mass greater than or equal to that of the proton, participate in strong interactions, and have a spin of 1/2. Baryons are either nucleons or hyperons. The baryon number is the number of baryons in a system minus the number of antibaryons

Word Origin

C20: bary-, from Greek barus heavy + -on

baryon in Science

baryon

(bār'ē-ŏn')
Any of a family of subatomic particles composed of three quarks or three antiquarks. They are generally more massive than mesons, and interact with each other via the strong force. Baryons form a subclass of hadrons and are subdivided into nucleons and hyperons. Protons and neutrons are baryons. See Table at subatomic particle.