ENGLISH
REFERENCE

neutrons

n. plural-only
C1 Advanced US //ˈnuˌtɹɑnz// UK //njˈuːtɹɒnz// neu·trons

n. tiny parts inside an atom that have no electrical charge. They live in the center of the atom along with protons.

n. subatomic particles with no net electric charge and a mass slightly greater than that of a proton. Found in the atomic nucleus of all elements except hydrogen-1.


SIMPLE

The nucleus of an atom contains protons and neutrons.

CONTEXTUAL

Scientists use beams of neutrons to study the structure of materials at the molecular level.

COMPLEX

Isotopes of a single element differ only in the number of neutrons present in their nuclei, which affects their atomic mass but not their chemical properties.

Synonyms
Usage

Usually used in the plural when discussing atomic structure or nuclear physics.

© 2026 English Reference