The Collaborative International Dictionary
colliding-beam machine
colliding-beam machine \colliding-beam machine\ n. (Physics) a particle accelerator in which two separate beams of particles (usually of opposite charge) are circulated in opposite directions and directed so as to collide head on; -- called also colliding-beam accelerator and collider.
Note: This technique allows the production of collisions of higher energy than would be possible with a single beam produced by the same device.
Syn: particle collider; colliding-beam accelerator; collider.