atom smasher

noun

Meaning

A large machine used to accelerate subatomic particles to high speeds and collide them to study their fundamental properties.

Examples

  • The new atom smasher is buried deep underground to minimize interference from cosmic radiation.
  • Scientists hope the atom smasher will reveal evidence of particles that have only been theorized until now.

Synonyms: particle accelerator, collider, cyclotron, synchrotron