Dalton

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Definition

Noun: 1. A unit of mass: A dalton (Da) is a unit of mass used in chemistry and biology, approximately equal to the mass of one hydrogen atom or one-twelfth the mass of a carbon-12 atom. It is synonymous with the unified atomic mass unit (u). 2. A person, John Dalton: The surname of John Dalton, an English scientist. This usage almost exclusively refers to the historical figure.

Examples
  • As a unit:
    • The molecular weight of water is approximately 18 daltons.
    • Proteins can be thousands of daltons in mass.
  • As a surname (referring to John Dalton):
    • Dalton's atomic theory was a foundational concept in chemistry.
    • The condition of color blindness is sometimes called Daltonism after John Dalton, who described it.
Advanced Usage
  • Kilodalton (kDa): A common derived unit equal to 1000 daltons, frequently used for measuring the mass of large molecules like proteins.
    • The enzyme has a mass of roughly 64 kilodaltons.
Variants and Related Words
  • Atomic mass unit (amu or u): A synonymous term for dalton when used as a unit of mass. In modern scientific contexts, "unified atomic mass unit (u)" is the technically precise term.
  • Daltonism: An older term for red-green color blindness, derived from John Dalton's name.
  • Daltonian: Pertaining to John Dalton or his theories.
Synonyms
  • For the unit: atomic mass unit (amu), unified atomic mass unit (u).
  • For the person: John Dalton (full name).
Notes on Different Meanings

The meaning is highly context-dependent: 1. In biochemistry, molecular biology, or chemistry contexts, "dalton" almost always refers to the unit of mass. 2. In historical or general contexts, "Dalton" primarily refers to the scientist John Dalton. The unit was named in his honor.

Noun
  1. English chemist and physicist who formulated atomic theory and the law of partial pressures; gave the first description of red-green color blindness (1766-1844)

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