WIMP
Abbreviation with 2 meanings
| Stands for | Weakly interacting massive particle |
|---|---|
| Meanings | 2 |
| Categories | Science & Engineering, Technology & Computing |
WIMP has two meanings. It stands for Weakly interacting massive particle (astronomy & Space) or Windows, icons, menus, pointer (computer).
Meanings of WIMP at a glance
| # | WIMP stands for | Context |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Weakly interacting massive particle | Science & Engineering › Astronomy & Space |
| 2 | Windows, icons, menus, pointer | Technology & Computing › Computer |
1. Weakly interacting massive particle
Science & Engineering · Astronomy & Space Abbreviations
Hypothetical dark matter particle that would interact through gravity and possibly the weak nuclear force, with a mass similar to or larger than a proton's. WIMPs became a leading candidate because they would naturally have been produced in about the right abundance in the early universe.
Example: The LZ experiment, a tank of liquid xenon a mile underground in South Dakota, set new limits on WIMP interactions.
Detectors deep underground watch for the rare recoil of an atomic nucleus struck by a WIMP, so far without a confirmed signal. The lack of detection has encouraged interest in alternatives such as axions. The acronym deliberately plays on "wimp," a weakling.
2. Windows, icons, menus, pointer
Technology & Computing · Computer Abbreviations
Interaction style built on four elements: windows, icons, menus and a pointing device such as a mouse. It describes the classic desktop GUI pioneered at Xerox PARC and popularized by the Macintosh and Microsoft Windows.
Example: Touchscreens moved phones away from the WIMP model toward direct manipulation with fingers.
The P is sometimes expanded as "pointing device" or "pull-down menu". Researchers use the label to contrast traditional desktops with "post-WIMP" interfaces such as multi-touch, voice assistants, gesture control and virtual reality. It is a neutral technical term in academic writing, although the ordinary word gives it a faintly mocking sound in casual speech.
Related abbreviations
More astronomy & Space abbreviations
- AGN – Active galactic nucleus
- ALMA – Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array
- AU – Astronomical unit
- BBN – Big Bang nucleosynthesis
- BH – Black hole
- CMB – Cosmic microwave background
- CME – Coronal mass ejection
- CNSA – China National Space Administration
See all 83 astronomy & Space abbreviations →