cyclotron

[sahy-kluh-tron, sik-luh-] /ˈsaɪ kləˌtrɒn, ˈsɪk lə-/
noun, Physics.
1.
an accelerator in which particles are propelled in spiral paths by the use of a constant magnetic field.
Origin
1930-35; cyclo- + -tron
Examples from the web for cyclotron
  • In one experiment, he used four probes to see if he could simulate the alignment of a cyclotron beam.
  • cyclotron radiation, synchrotron light or its close relative, bremsstrahlung radiation.
British Dictionary definitions for cyclotron

cyclotron

/ˈsaɪkləˌtrɒn/
noun
1.
a type of particle accelerator in which the particles spiral inside two D-shaped hollow metal electrodes placed facing each other under the effect of a strong vertical magnetic field, gaining energy by a high-frequency voltage applied between these electrodes
Word Origin and History for cyclotron
n.

1935, from cyclo- + ending from electron.

cyclotron in Science
cyclotron
  (sī'klə-trŏn')   

A type of particle accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles, such as protons and electrons, in an outwardly spiraling path, greatly increasing their energies. Cyclotrons are used to bring about high-speed particle collisions in order to study subatomic structures. Compare linear accelerator. See also synchrocyclotron. See Note at particle accelerator.
cyclotron in Culture
cyclotron [(seye-kluh-tron)]

The first kind of particle accelerator built.

Note: Cyclotrons are now used for special research projects.