Upsilon

/ˈʊpsɪlɑːn/
noun

It is the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet, usually shown as Υ in uppercase and υ in lowercase.

In Greek, the letter upsilon is used to represent a close front rounded vowel.
Visual representation of "upsilon" - It is the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet, usually shown as Υ in uppercase and υ in lowercase.

Often appears as...

  • greek upsilon
  • upsilon sound

Usage tips

Academic

noun

In particle physics, it is an elementary particle containing a bottom quark.

The discovery of the upsilon particle substantiated the theory of quantum chromodynamics.
Visual representation of "upsilon" - In particle physics, it is an elementary particle containing a bottom quark.

Often appears as...

  • upsilon particle
  • upsilon decay

Usage tips

Technical

noun

It is the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet, usually shown as Υ in uppercase and υ in lowercase.

In Greek, the letter upsilon is used to represent a close front rounded vowel.
Visual representation of "upsilon" - It is the 20th letter of the Greek alphabet, usually shown as Υ in uppercase and υ in lowercase.

Often appears as...

  • greek upsilon
  • upsilon sound

Usage tips

Academic

noun

In particle physics, it is an elementary particle containing a bottom quark.

The discovery of the upsilon particle substantiated the theory of quantum chromodynamics.
Visual representation of "upsilon" - In particle physics, it is an elementary particle containing a bottom quark.

Often appears as...

  • upsilon particle
  • upsilon decay

Usage tips

Technical

Definition 1 of 2
Visual representation of "upsilon"
LampPro Tip 1/3

Greek Origin

Remember that 'upsilon' is specific to the Greek language and culture.

Illustration for Greek Origin
The Greek word 'Υγεία' (health) starts with an upsilon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation

'Upsilon' in Greek has a sound similar to the French 'u' or the German 'ü'.

Illustration for Pronunciation
You pronounce 'upsilon' differently than 'u' in English.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not a 'Y'

Don't confuse 'upsilon' with the English 'Y', although it looks similar.

Illustration for Not a 'Y'
Greek upsilon is related to Y, but they aren't the same letter.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Greek Origin

Remember that 'upsilon' is specific to the Greek language and culture.

Illustration for Greek Origin
The Greek word 'Υγεία' (health) starts with an upsilon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation

'Upsilon' in Greek has a sound similar to the French 'u' or the German 'ü'.

Illustration for Pronunciation
You pronounce 'upsilon' differently than 'u' in English.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not a 'Y'

Don't confuse 'upsilon' with the English 'Y', although it looks similar.

Illustration for Not a 'Y'
Greek upsilon is related to Y, but they aren't the same letter.
LampPro Tip 1/3

Greek Origin

Remember that 'upsilon' is specific to the Greek language and culture.

Illustration for Greek Origin
The Greek word 'Υγεία' (health) starts with an upsilon.
LampPro Tip 2/3

Pronunciation

'Upsilon' in Greek has a sound similar to the French 'u' or the German 'ü'.

Illustration for Pronunciation
You pronounce 'upsilon' differently than 'u' in English.
LampPro Tip 3/3

Not a 'Y'

Don't confuse 'upsilon' with the English 'Y', although it looks similar.

Illustration for Not a 'Y'
Greek upsilon is related to Y, but they aren't the same letter.
Visual representation of the word "Upsilon"

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