1. a subatomic particle that does not participate in strong nuclear interactions, including electrons, muons, and neutrinos
Usage: physics
2. a small ancient Greek coin of little value
Usage: historical

Examples

• The electron is the most familiar type of lepton.
• Scientists study leptons to understand the fundamental structure of matter.
• Neutrinos are leptons that rarely interact with other particles.
• The muon is a heavier cousin of the electron and also classified as a lepton.
• In ancient Greece, a lepton was worth very little money.
• The widow’s mite mentioned in the Bible was likely a lepton.