Definition

1. Noun:
   • (Physics) A fundamental constituent of matter: An elementary particle is a particle that is not known to have any substructure; it is not composed of other, smaller particles. These particles are the basic building blocks of the universe.
   • A particle simpler than an atom: Historically and in some contexts, it refers to particles that are less complex than an atom, such as protons, neutrons, and electrons, which were once thought to be elementary. In modern physics, the term often refers to the truly fundamental particles in the Standard Model.

Examples of Usage

• Noun:
  • The electron is a well-known elementary particle with a negative charge.
  • Physicists use particle accelerators to discover new elementary particles.
  • Quarks and leptons are the two main classes of elementary particles.

Advanced Usage

• "point-like elementary particle": A theoretical description where the particle is considered to have no spatial extent.

  • In many calculations, an electron is treated as a point-like elementary particle.

• "composite vs. elementary particle": A key distinction in particle physics.

  • A proton is a composite particle made of quarks, whereas a quark itself is an elementary particle.

Variants and Related Words

• Fundamental particle: A synonym for elementary particle.

  • The search for fundamental particles is a major goal of high-energy physics.

• Subatomic particle: A broader term for any particle smaller than an atom, which includes both elementary and composite particles (like protons and neutrons).

  • The study of subatomic particles requires very sophisticated equipment.

Synonyms

• Fundamental particle
• Basic particle

Related Phrases

• Elementary particle physics: The branch of physics that studies elementary particles and their interactions.

  • She has a PhD in elementary particle physics.

• Standard Model of elementary particles: The theoretical framework describing the known fundamental particles and forces (except gravity).

  • The Higgs boson was the last predicted particle of the Standard Model of elementary particles to be discovered.

Noun

1. (physics) a particle that is less complex than an atom; regarded as constituents of all matter