Drip line

noun

noun ·Rare ·Advanced level

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    On the table of nuclides, the limit beyond which an atomic nucleus will immediately decay by emitting a proton or neutron.

    "Hydrogen-7 has so many excess neutrons that it lies beyond the neutron drip line, and will spit out neutrons until it becomes a particle-bound isotope."

  2. 2
    The area defined by the outermost circumference of a tree canopy from where water drips onto the ground.

    "2010, instructions on bottle of Ortho Weed B Gon Max Be particularly careful applying within the drip line of trees and other ornamental species."

  3. 3
    A pipe that has small holes at intervals, used to irrigate crops.

Example

More examples

"Hydrogen-7 has so many excess neutrons that it lies beyond the neutron drip line, and will spit out neutrons until it becomes a particle-bound isotope."