taus

Taus is the plural form of tau, a term used across science, mathematics, and language as a symbol, name, or unit. In the context of the Greek alphabet, tau (uppercase Τ, lowercase τ) is the 19th letter and is commonly used as a variable in various disciplines.

In science and engineering, tau often denotes time-dependent quantities. It is widely used for the time constant of an exponential process, such as in RC or RL circuits, where it describes how quickly a system responds. It also appears as a variable for torque or shear stress in mechanics and physics.

In mathematics and physics, tau is sometimes used as a constant equal to 2π, proposed by some as a more natural circle measure than pi for certain angular calculations. The choice between pi and tau for representing circular relationships varies by field and convention.

In particle physics, the tau lepton is a heavy charged lepton with a negative electric charge, mass about 1.776 GeV/c², and a short lifetime. It is produced in high-energy processes and decays into lighter leptons or hadrons, playing a role in tests of the Standard Model.

In biology and medicine, the tau protein stabilizes microtubules in neurons. Abnormal tau phosphorylation and aggregation form neurofibrillary tangles, which are associated with neurodegenerative tauopathies such as Alzheimer's disease.

In astronomy, Tau is used in the Bayer designation system to label stars within a constellation, as in Tau Ceti or Tau Sagittarii, indicating particular stars by their Greek-letter prefix.