1. A subatomic particle with half-integer spin that obeys the Pauli exclusion principle, such as an electron, proton, or neutron.
Usage: physics; technical

Examples

• Electrons are fermions that cannot occupy the same quantum state simultaneously.
• The Pauli exclusion principle applies to all fermions in an atom.
• Quarks are fundamental fermions that make up protons and neutrons.
• In particle physics, fermions are distinguished from bosons by their spin properties.
• The behavior of fermions explains why matter has the properties it does.