A type of elementary particle such as an electron, neutron, or proton having a +½ or −½ value of spin. A maximum of two electrons can therefore occupy the ground state, provided they have opposite spins. Hence elements other than hydrogen and helium must have some of their electrons in higher levels than the ground state. Fermions obey the Pauli exclusion principle. They are named after the Italian–American physicist Enrico Fermi (1901–54). See also Boson.