proton
n. countable C1 Advanced US //ˈpɹoʊˌtɑn// UK //pɹˈəʊtɒn// pro·ton
n. a tiny part of an atom that has a positive electrical charge. It lives in the center of the atom along with neutrons.
n. a stable subatomic particle occurring in all atomic nuclei, with a positive electric charge equal in magnitude to that of an electron.
Every atom of hydrogen contains exactly one proton.
The atomic number of an element is determined by the number of protons found in its nucleus.
In high-energy physics, researchers use particle accelerators to collide protons at near-light speeds, allowing them to observe the fundamental forces that hold matter together.
Usage
Commonly used in scientific contexts; often paired with 'neutron' and 'electron'.