dalton

dal·ton   (dôl'tən)    n.  See atomic mass unit. [After John Dalton.]

Dal·ton   (dôl'tən)    British chemist whose pioneer work on the properties of gases led to his formulation of the atomic theory. He also studied his own condition of colorblindness.

Dalton, Robert 1867-1892.   American outlaw noted for his exploits as a horse thief, train robber, and leader of the Dalton gang, which included his two brothers.

Main Entry: dal·ton
Pronunciation: 'dolt-^&n
Function: noun
: a unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms, molecules, or nuclearparticles equal to ¹/₁₂ of the atomic mass of the most abundant carbon isotope ¹²C : ATOMIC MASS UNIT —used chiefly in biochemistry—abbreviation d
Dalton, John (1766–1844), British chemist and physicist. One of thefathers of modern physical science, Dalton formulated the atomic theory of matter, a theory that established chemistry as a true science. He determined the relative weights of atoms and developed thelaws of definite and multiple proportions. He formulated several laws relating to gases, including Dalton's law or the law of partial pressures. His wide interests included meteorology, in which hemade valuable observations on the aurora borealis, trade winds, and rain. In 1794 he systematically described and explained the form of color blindness known as Daltonism. He himself was color-blind.

dalton dal·ton (dôl'tən)
n.
See atomic mass unit.