MAGIC NUMBER Definition & Meaning

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magic number

noun

Physics.

the atomic number or neutron number of an exceptionally stable nuclide.

magic number

noun

physics any of the numbers 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, and 126. Nuclides with these numbers of nucleons appear to have greater stability than other nuclides
chem a number of atoms that is particularly stable in certain types of compound that have clusters of the same type of atom

magic number

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Any of the numbers, 2, 8, 20, 28, 50, 82, or 126, that represent the number of neutrons or protons in strongly bound and exceptionally stable atomic nuclei. The existence of such stable nuclei is explained by assuming a shell structure for nucleons, much like the shell structure of electron orbitals around the nucleus.

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of magic number¹

First recorded in 1945–50

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

If neither party reaches the magic number of 76 seats in the House of Representatives, which poll after poll paints as unlikely, independent candidates could be the kingmakers of any future government.

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Both candidates hoped to reach the magic number of 270 electoral votes to earn a majority in the college.

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Krueger, an independent housing economist in Los Angeles, said the magic number may be closer to 5%: “That would free up those owners who are itching to move and release more listings,” he said.

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The magic number is now two and completely obtainable in the final regular season game at Chavez Ravine Thursday night.

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The result gave the Dodgers some breathing room ahead of a monumental three-game series against the Padres at Dodger Stadium this coming week, lowering their magic number to clinch the division to four.

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