Dalton

/ˈdɔːltən/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A unit of mass equivalent to 1/12 the mass of a carbon-12 atom, used in chemistry and biochemistry.

The molecular weight of the protein was calculated to be 50,000 daltons.

A name for an atom or a molecule in reference to its mass, often used in the field of molecular biology.

The compound has a dalton value of approximately 300.

A historical reference to the atomic theory proposed by John Dalton in the early 19th century.

Dalton's work laid the foundation for modern atomic theory.

Named after John Dalton, who introduced the concept in the early 19th century.

Dalton's Law

A principle stating that in a mixture of non-reacting gases, the total pressure is the sum of the partial pressures of each gas.

Daltonism

Another term for color blindness, particularly red-green color blindness.

atomic mass

The mass of an atom calculated based on the number of protons and neutrons.

molecule

A group of atoms bonded together, representing the smallest fundamental unit of a chemical compound.

Used informally to refer to someone who is not very bright.

He's acting like a total dalton when he can't solve the easy math problem.

In some contexts, it refers to someone who is oblivious or clueless.

Don't be such a dalton and open your eyes to the obvious solution.