Proton
/ˈproʊ.tɑn/noun
A subatomic particle with a positive electric charge found in the nucleus of an atom.
Did you know?Proton was coined in the 19th century from Greek *prōton* (“first”), echoing the ancient idea of a first principle or primary element beneath all things.
Etymological Timeline
Ancient Greek
Greek
πρῶτον (prōton)
“the first thing; first in order”
19th Century
English
proton
“a proposed fundamental particle or first constituent”
Early 20th Century
English
proton
“the positively charged particle in the atomic nucleus”
Modern English
English
proton
“a positively charged subatomic particle in the nucleus of an atom”
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