noun
- a mathematical object used in quantum mechanics and relativity theory to describe particles with half-integer spin
Usage: physics; mathematics
Examples
- The electron’s quantum state is described by a two-component spinor.
- Spinors transform differently under rotations compared to ordinary vectors.
- In quantum field theory, fermions are represented by spinor fields.
- The Pauli matrices act on two-component spinors.
- Dirac spinors have four components and describe relativistic particles.
- Understanding spinors is essential for studying particle physics.