Word
positron
US/ˈpɑzəˌtɹɑn/
UK/pˈɒsɪtɹˌɒn/
Countable noun
Definition
n. a tiny particle that is like an electron but has a positive electric charge.
n. the antiparticle of the electron, identical in mass but carrying a positive charge. Annihilates on contact with an electron, producing gamma-ray photons.
Examples
“A positron has the same mass as an electron.”
“Doctors use positrons in PET scans to create detailed images of activity inside the brain.”
“When a positron meets an electron, both particles vanish in a flash of gamma rays, a process physicists exploit to probe materials and image living tissue.”
Examples
simple
“A positron has the same mass as an electron.”
contextual
“Doctors use positrons in PET scans to create detailed images of activity inside the brain.”
complex
“When a positron meets an electron, both particles vanish in a flash of gamma rays, a process physicists exploit to probe materials and image living tissue.”
Collocations
Common phrases and expressions where native English speakers use the word “positron” in context.
Verb
01. annihilate positron
“An electron can annihilate a positron on contact, releasing energy.”
verb + noun
02. detect positron
“Scientists detect positrons using sensitive detectors in space.”
verb + noun
03. emit positron
“Certain radioactive isotopes emit positrons during decay.”
verb + noun
04. positron annihilates
“The positron annihilates on contact with an electron, releasing gamma rays.”
noun + verb
05. positron collides
“When the positron collides with an electron, both particles disappear.”
noun + verb
Adjective
06. energetic positron
“Energetic positrons slow down rapidly when they enter solid matter.”
adj + noun
07. polarized positron
“Polarized positrons help physicists probe magnetic structures.”
adj + noun
Noun
08. annihilation of positron
“Annihilation of a positron produces two gamma-ray photons.”
noun + prep + noun
09. emission of positron
“Emission of a positron transforms a proton into a neutron in the nucleus.”
noun + prep + noun
10. annihilation of positron and electron
“Annihilation of a positron and electron releases pure energy.”
11. emit a positron
“The nucleus decays and emits a positron in the process.”
12. positron emission tomography
“Doctors use positron emission tomography to image cancer and brain activity.”
Etymology
From positive + -tron (electron). Coined by American physicist Carl Anderson in 1932 to replace the earlier term antielectron.
Etymology adapted from Wiktionary, available under CC BY-SA 4.0.
Related words
- Exam level
- CambridgeCambridgeCambridge English QualificationsThe exam suite from Cambridge University Press & Assessment, from A1 Movers up to C2 Proficiency. The benchmark names double as CEFR labels.C1 AdvancedIELTSIELTSInternational English Language Testing SystemThe 0–9 band test co-owned by the British Council, IDP, and Cambridge. Used for university entry, work, and migration.7.0–8.0TOEFL iBTTOEFL iBTTest of English as a Foreign Language, Internet-Based TestETS's academic English test, the standard route for US university admissions. Scored 0–120, with a 1–6 scale since 2026.1–6 scale: 5.0–5.595–113TOEICTOEICTest of English for International CommunicationETS's workplace English test, big in Japan and Korea. Listening & Reading scores 10–990 and tops out at C1.945–990
- Frequency
- Occasional
- Level
- C1 · Advanced
- Updated
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