polaron

noun

po·​lar·​on ˈpō-lə-ˌrän How to pronounce polaron (audio)
: a conducting electron in an ionic crystal together with the induced polarization of the surrounding lattice

Examples of polaron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
These examples are automatically compiled from online sources to illustrate current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Given that polarons can last for about 11 nanoseconds, the scientists think that acoustic exciton-polarons could cover more than 25 micrometers before scattering. IEEE Spectrum, 6 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary polar + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polaron was in 1946

Dictionary Entries Near polaron

Cite this Entry

“Polaron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polaron. Accessed 8 Nov. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on polaron

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!