drip line
noun1
On the table of nuclides, the limit beyond which an atomic nucleus will immediately decay by emitting a proton or neutron.
Nuclear physics
- Hydrogen-7 has so many excess neutrons that it lies beyond the neutron drip line, and will spit out neutrons until it becomes a particle-bound isotope.
2
The area defined by the outermost circumference of a tree canopy from where water drips onto the ground.
- 2010, instructions on bottle of Ortho Weed B Gon Max Be particularly careful applying within the drip line of trees and other ornamental species.
3
A pipe that has small holes at intervals, used to irrigate crops.