Drip line
noun
noun ·Rare ·Advanced level
Definitions
Noun
- 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 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 A pipe that has small holes at intervals, used to irrigate crops.
Synonyms
All synonymsExample
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."