pionicadj.
/pʌɪˈɒnɪk/, U.S. /paɪˈɑnɪk/ Particle Physics.
Of, relating to, or involving a pion; (also) designating an atom having a negative pion orbiting the nucleus.
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the world > matter > physics > atomic physics > particle physics > particle participating in strong interaction > meson > [adjective] > relating to pion
pi-mesic1952
pi-mesonic1953
pionic1957
1957 Ann. Rev. Nucl. Sci. 7 443 We must somehow understand, however, why the pionic decays go much faster.
1967 J. C. Sens in G. Alexander High Energy Physics & Nucl. Struct. ii. 117 In muonic atoms, the muon samples the distribution of charge in the nucleus; in pionic atoms the pions form in addition a probe for the nuclear mass distribution, through the strong interactions.
1990 New Scientist 4 Aug. 55/1 Pionic, kaonic, antiprotonic and hyperonic atoms yield information on the strong interaction between the heavy particle and the atomic nucleus.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, June 2006; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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adj.1957