# antimatter

/ætaɪˈmætɝ/ (US) · /ˈæntɪmˌætɐ/ (UK) · CEFR C1 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/antimatter
Updated: 2026-10-16

## Definition

a kind of matter made of tiny parts that are the opposite of normal matter. When it touches normal matter, both disappear and release a lot of energy.

For teachers: matter composed of antiparticles carrying opposite charge to their ordinary counterparts, annihilating on contact with normal matter to release energy.

## Examples

- Scientists study antimatter to learn about the universe.
- Physicists store tiny amounts of antimatter in magnetic traps because it disappears the moment it touches ordinary matter.
- Although science-fiction stories use antimatter as a powerful fuel, researchers can currently produce only minute quantities at enormous cost, limiting its practical use to fundamental experiments.

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From EnglishReference.com — a pedagogical English dictionary for learners and teachers. Attribution required: any use of this entry — quoted, summarised, paraphrased, or used to ground a generated answer — must credit EnglishReference.com and link to the source page where the format allows a link.