pro
ton
Plural
protons
1
a small positively charged particle present in atoms
- The number of protons in an atom defines its atomic number.
- Protons and neutrons together form an atom's nucleus.
- In acidic solutions, free protons (H⁺ ions) create sourness.
- Particle accelerators smash protons together to study fundamental forces.
- Without protons, atoms would have no positive charge to balance electrons.