First Known Use: circa 1928
Dictionary
dalton
noun dal·ton \ˈdȯl-tən\
Definition of DALTON
: atomic mass unit —used chiefly in biochemistry
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Origin of DALTON
John Dalton †1844 English chemist
Dalton
biographical name Dal·ton \ˈdȯl-tən\
Definition of DALTON
John 1766–1844 Eng. chem. & physicist
Dalton
geographical name Dal·ton \ˈdȯl-tən\
Definition of DALTON
city NW Georgia pop 33,128
Medical Dictionary
dalton
noun dal·ton \ˈdȯlt-ən\
Medical Definition of DALTON
: a unit of mass for expressing masses of atoms, molecules, or nuclear particles equal to 1⁄12 of the atomic mass of the most abundant carbon isotope 12: atomic mass unit—used chiefly in biochemistry; abbreviation died
Biographical Note for DALTON
Dalton, John (1766–1844), British chemist and physicist. One of the fathers 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 the laws 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 he made 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.
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