Brillouin zone

noun

Bril·​louin zone

¦brēyə¦waⁿ-

in solid state theory

: one of the limited ranges within which the energy and momentum of an electron in a metallic crystal may vary continuously without any quantum jumps

Word History

Etymology

after Louis M. Brillouin †1948 French physicist

The Ultimate Dictionary Awaits

Expand your vocabulary and dive deeper into language with Merriam-Webster Unabridged.

1. Expanded definitions
2. Detailed etymologies
3. Advanced search tools
4. All ad-free

Discover what makes Merriam-Webster Unabridged the essential choice for true word lovers.

Start Your Free Trial Now