positron

[poz-i-tron] /ˈpɒz ɪˌtrɒn/

noun, Physics.

an elementary particle having the same mass and spin as an electron but having a positive charge equal in magnitude to that of the electron's negative charge; the antiparticle of the electron.

Also called antielectron, positive electron.

Origin

1930-35; posi(tive) + (elec)tron

British Dictionary definitions for positrons

positron

/ˈpɒzɪˌtrɒn/

noun

(physics) the antiparticle of the electron, having the same mass but an equal and opposite charge. It is produced in certain decay processes and in pair production, annihilation occurring when it collides with an electron

Word Origin

C20: from posi(tive + elec)tron

Word Origin and History for positrons

positron

1933, coined from posi(tive) (elec)tron.

positrons in Medicine

positron pos·i·tron (pŏz'ĭ-trŏn')
n.
A positively charged particle of the same mass and magnititude of charge as an electron. Also called antielectron, positive electron.

positrons in Science

positron

(pŏz'ĭ-trŏn')
The antiparticle that corresponds to an electron. Also called antielectron.

positrons in Culture

positron [(poz-i-tron)]

The antiparticle for an electron; it has the same mass as an electron, but carries a positive charge.

Note: Positrons are found in collisions initiated by cosmic rays.