elementary particle

elementary particle   n.  Any of the subatomic particles that compose matter and energy, especially one hypothesized or regarded as an irreducible constituent of matter. Also called fundamental particle. See Table at subatomic particle.

Main Entry: elementary particle
Function: noun
1 : any of the particles of which matter and energy are composed or which mediate the fundamental forces of nature;especially : one (as the photon or the electron) whose existence has not been attributed to the combination of other more fundamental entities
2 : one of thestructural units of mitochondrial cristae that are observable by the electron microscope usually as spheres or stalked spheres and are prob. the seat of fundamental energy-producing reactions

elementary particle n.

1. A knoblike body that appears on the luminal surfaces of mitochondrial cristae and is believed to be involved with the electron transport system.

2. Any of the subatomic particles that compose matter and energy, especially one hypothesized or regarded as an irreducible constituent of matter. Also called fundamental particle.