tau

[tou, taw for 1, 2, 4; tahv, tawv for 3] /taʊ, tɔ for 1, 2, 4; tɑv, tɔv for 3/
noun
1.
the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet (T, τ).
2.
the consonant sound represented by this letter.
3.
tav.
4.
Also, tauon [tou-on] /ˈtaʊ ɒn/ (Show IPA). Physics. tau lepton.
5.
Also called tau protein. Biochemistry. a protein that is an important component of nerve cells, helping to maintain their function and structure: in the brain, distortions in the protein’s molecular shape is associated with the onset of Alzheimer’s disease.
Origin
1250-1300; Middle English < Latin < Greek taû < Semitic; cf. tav
British Dictionary definitions for tau

tau

/tɔː; taʊ/
noun
1.
the 19th letter in the Greek alphabet (Τ, τ), a consonant, transliterated as t
Word Origin
C13: via Latin from Greek, of Semitic origin; see tav
Word Origin and History for tau

nineteenth letter of the Greek alphabet, from Hebrew taw, last letter of the Hebrew alphabet, literally "sign, mark."

tau in Medicine

tau n.

Symbol τ The 19th letter of the Greek alphabet.

Related Abbreviations for tau

TAU

Taurus
Encyclopedia Article for tau

elementary subatomic particle similar to the electron but approximately 3,500 times heavier. Like the electron and the muon, the tau is an electrically charged member of the lepton family of subatomic particles; the tau is negatively charged, while its antiparticle is positively charged

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