Dictionary

drip line en · NOUN

Meanings

1. (qualifier:nuclear physics) On the table of nuclides, the limit beyond which an atomic nucleus will immediately decay by emitting a proton or neutron.
   • 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.

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