lep
ton
Plural
leptons
1
a fundamental particle with half-integer spin, including electrons and their heavier counterparts, as well as neutrinos
- Leptons are elementary particles that include electrons, muons, tau particles, and their associated neutrinos.
- Leptons are not affected by the strong nuclear force, unlike quarks, making them distinct in the particle world.
- Leptons are fundamental building blocks of matter and play a crucial role in the particle zoo described by the Standard Model.
- Leptons are crucial in understanding processes like beta decay, where a neutron transforms into a proton, emitting a beta particle (electron) and an antineutrino.
- Experimental studies, such as those in high-energy physics, aim to probe the properties and interactions of leptons.
2
a former Greek monetary unit equal to one hundredth of a drachma
- The coin was a lepton from the early 20th century.
- Prices in the old market were listed in drachmae and lepta.
- He collected ancient lepta as part of his coin collection.
- One lepton had very little purchasing power on its own.
- The museum displayed a series of lepta alongside drachma coins.