betatron

/bɪˈteɪtrɒn/

Definitions

1. noun

a type of cyclic particle accelerator that accelerates charged particles in a circular path by the action of a magnetic field.

“The researchers used a betatron to accelerate subatomic particles to nearly the speed of light.”

2. noun

a device that generates intense magnetic fields for medical or industrial purposes.

“The hospital uses a betatron to create magnetic fields for cancer treatment.”

Synonyms

  • cyclic accelerator
  • particle accelerator