proton UK /ˈpɹəʊ.tɒn/US /ˈpɹoʊ.tɑn/ noun3 •A positively charged subatomic particle forming part of the nucleus of an atom and determining the atomic number of an element, composed of two up quarks and a down quark. •The atomic nucleus of protium (hydrogen-1) •(no longer used) Synonym of primordium. formsprotons