Definition
An early particle accelerator that spins charged particles in an outward spiral using alternating electric fields and magnets, like a subatomic merry-go-round on steroids. Invented in the 1930s, it was the grandfather of modern particle physics research before being largely superseded by more sophisticated machines. Still used today for producing medical isotopes, proving that even outdated physics equipment has better job security than most millennials.
Example Usage
The university's cyclotron from 1952 still produces isotopes for cancer research, outlasting three department heads and countless grad students.
Source: Scientific and medical terminology
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