Definition
A subatomic particle with the same mass as an electron but carrying a positive electrical charge instead of a negative one. The positron is the antimatter counterpart of the electron.
Plain English
A tiny particle just like an electron, but with a positive charge instead of a negative one.
Context Anchor
Seen in basic physics, electronics, or radiation-related reading; it is not a normal cockpit operating term.
Derivation
From 'positive' + 'electron'. The name was coined to describe a particle that behaves like an electron but carries the opposite (positive) charge.
Grounding Statement
Picture the tiny particle normally called an electron, then flip its charge from negative to positive; that is the basic idea of a positron.
Intuition Check
Do not confuse a positron with a proton. A proton is part of an atom's nucleus; a positron is electron-like but positively charged.
Example Sentence 1
When a positron meets an electron, the two particles annihilate each other and release energy.
Example Sentence 2
Certain radiation detectors can register positrons along with other charged particles.