soliton

[ sol-i-ton ]

Mathematics, Physics.
  1. a solution of a certain type of partial differential equation that represents a solitary wave.

  2. (loosely) a solitary wave.

Origin of soliton

1
First recorded in 1960–65; solit(ary) + -on1

Words Nearby soliton

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

British Dictionary definitions for soliton

soliton

/ (ˈsɒlɪˌtɒn) /


noun
  1. physics an isolated particle-like wave that is a solution of certain equations for propagation, occurring when two solitary waves do not change their form after collision and subsequently travelling for considerable distances

Origin of soliton

1
C20: from solit (ary) + -on

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