An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A type of → accelerator that accelerates charged subatomic particles (generally protons) in a circular path. Unlike → cyclotrons, in which particles follow a spiral path,
synchrotrons consist of a single ring-shaped tube through which the
particles loop numerous times, guided by precisely synchronized
magnetic fields and accelerated at various points in the loop by
electric field bursts. See also → synchrotron frequency, → synchrotron radiation.

Etymology (EN): From synchro- a combining form representing synchronized or synchronous in compound words, from L. synchronus “simultaneous,” from Gk. synchronos “happening at the same time,” from → syn- “together”

• khronos “time” + → -tron.

Etymology (PE): Sankrotron, from Fr., as above.