weakly interacting massive particle
English edit
Noun edit
weakly interacting massive particle (plural weakly interacting massive particles)
- (astronomy, physics) A hypothetical class of particle, proposed to explain the dark matter problem.
Usage notes edit
There are two definitions for WIMPs, one where "weakly interacting" signifies weak nuclear force, a fundamental force of nature, and the other where "weakly interacting" signifies low strength interaction with normal matter such as only interacting through gravitational force.
Synonyms edit
- WIMP (abbreviation)
Hypernyms edit
Coordinate terms edit
- strongly interacting massive particle (SIMP)
- robust associations of massive baryonic objects (RAMBO)
- massive compact halo object (MACHO)
Derived terms edit
Translations edit
hypothetical class of particle
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