1. A quantum number in particle physics that characterizes certain properties of elementary particles; used in the electroweak theory to describe weak interactions.
Usage: physics; technical; plural form of hypercharge

Examples

• In the Standard Model, hypercharges are assigned to quarks and leptons to explain their interactions.
• The hypercharges of particles must satisfy conservation laws in weak nuclear interactions.
• Physicists use hypercharges alongside isospin to classify elementary particles.
• The electroweak theory unifies electromagnetic and weak forces through the concept of hypercharges.