Neutrino

/njuːˈtriː.noʊ/

Meaning & Definition

noun

A neutrally charged subatomic particle with a very small mass that interacts only via the weak nuclear force and gravity.

Neutrinos are produced in large quantities in nuclear reactions, such as those occurring in the sun.

A fundamental particle in the Standard Model of particle physics.

The discovery of the three types of neutrinos has advanced our understanding of particle physics.

A particle associated with certain types of radioactive decay.

When a neutron decays into a proton, it emits a neutrino.

The term 'neutrino' is derived from the Italian word 'neutro' meaning 'neutral,' with the suffix '-ino' denoting smallness.

neutrino oscillation

The phenomenon where neutrinos change their type or 'flavor' as they travel.

electron neutrino

One of the three types of neutrinos associated with the electron.

muon neutrino

The type of neutrino associated with the muon particle.

antineutrino

The antiparticle of the neutrino, which has the same mass as a neutrino but opposite quantum numbers.

neutrino astronomy

A branch of astronomy that studies astronomical phenomena through the detection of neutrinos.