Definition

A letter in the Greek alphabet and also a type of elementary particle in physics that is much heavier than an electron.

Example

In physics, the tau particle is known for its short lifespan and significant mass.

Conversation

Did you hear about the tau particle they discovered recently?

Yeah, it’s fascinating how much heavier it is than an electron!

I know, right? It’s amazing how much we still have to learn about these particles.

Absolutely! Science never ceases to surprise me.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

The word 'tau' originates from Greek 'ταυ' (tau), which is the 19th letter of the Greek alphabet. It is derived from the Phoenician letter 'taw', meaning mark or sign. In various contexts, 'tau' can refer to the letter itself or symbolize concepts such as the cross in Christian symbolism.

Memory Tip

Think of 'tau' as a mark or sign, since it originally comes from a letter that represents a symbol.

Visually Confused Words