phonon

noun

pho·non ˈfō-ˌnän

: a quantum of vibrational energy (as in a crystal)

Examples of phonon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Physicists have discovered an entire zoo of quasiparticles in solid materials with names such as phonons, magnons, spinons, holons and plasmons. —

Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 Instead of knocking excitons around, phonons in this molecule bind to them to create a new quasiparticle that flow freely through the semiconductor at twice the speed of electrons. —

IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2023 The secret to its speed lies the behavior of phonons, quasiparticles formed from vibrations in a solid. —

IEEE Spectrum, 26 Dec. 2023 When laser power becomes strong enough in optical fibers, the light can interact with phonons. —

IEEE Spectrum, 6 Dec. 2023 See all Example Sentences for phonon

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Russian fonon, from Greek phōnḗ "sound made by something living, voice" + Russian -on -on entry 2 — more at -on entry 2 — more at phono-

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of phonon was in 1932

See more words from the same year