# hadron

/ˈhæˌdɹɔn/ (US) · /hˈædɹən/ (UK) · CEFR C2 · Noun

Source: https://englishreference.com/word/hadron
Updated: 2026-10-13

## Definition

a tiny particle in physics that is made of even smaller parts called quarks. The most famous examples are protons and neutrons, which are found inside atoms.

For teachers: a subatomic particle composed of quarks held together by the strong force. Categorised into two families: baryons, which consist of three quarks, and mesons, which consist of a quark-antiquark pair.

## Examples

- Protons and neutrons are types of hadrons.
- Scientists use the Large Hadron Collider to smash particles together and study the fundamental laws of the universe.
- The study of hadron spectroscopy allows physicists to investigate the complex interactions of the strong nuclear force that binds subatomic matter together.

## Usage notes

- Technical term used in particle physics; usually appears in plural form when discussing general properties of matter.

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