quasiparticle

American  

[kwey-zahy-pahr-ti-kuhl, kwey-sahy-, kwah-see, -zee-] / ˌkweɪ zaɪˈpɑr tɪ kəl, ˌkweɪ saɪ-, ˌkwɑ si, -zi- /

noun

Physics.

1. an entity, as an exciton or phonon, that interacts with elementary particles, but does not exist as a free particle.

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Etymology

Origin of quasiparticle

First recorded in 1955–60; quasi- + particle

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quasiparticle

Rather than producing a quasiparticle, the heavy impurity changes the quantum system so dramatically that the wave functions of the surrounding fermions lose their original form.

From Science Daily ● Jul. 9, 2026

One widely used explanation is the quasiparticle model.

From Science Daily ● Feb. 8, 2026

If this Majorana quasiparticle could be corralled and controlled, the payoff would be twofold.

From Science Magazine ● Dec. 20, 2023

Under the right conditions, the motion of electrons and holes can synchronize to behave as a single quasiparticle, in which fragments of the electron appear as if they are physically separated.

From Science Magazine ● Dec. 20, 2023

In such normal metals, each quasiparticle, or discrete unit, of charge is the product of incalculable tiny interactions between countless electrons.

From Science Daily ● Nov. 23, 2023