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dirac sea

 - 2 dictionary results
Dirac sea  
n.  In relativistic quantum mechanics, the completely filled, negative energy electron state that comprises a vacuum. If a negative energy electron is promoted to a positive energy state, the hole is perceived as a positron.

[After Paul Adrien Maurice Dirac.]
The American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fourth Edition
Copyright © 2009 by Houghton Mifflin Company.
Published by Houghton Mifflin Company. All rights reserved.
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Science Dictionary
Dirac sea  
In relativistic quantum mechanics, the completely filled, infinite set of negative energy electron states that makes up a vacuum. If a negative energy electron is promoted to a positive energy state, the hole it leaves behind has the properties of a positron.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2002. Published by Houghton Mifflin. All rights reserved.
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