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

The electron and hole remain linked as a short-lived quasiparticle until the electron falls back and emits light.

From Science Daily

"The material fluctuates between two different states, as if it cannot decide which one it wants to adopt. In this fluctuating regime, the quasiparticle picture is thought to lose its meaning."

From Science Daily

While this study focused on plasmons, the new chip-scale THz spectroscope could detect other types of quasiparticles oscillating in many different 2D materials.

From Science Daily

This new state of matter called the Majorana zero mode is made up of quasiparticles, which act as their own particle and antiparticle.

From Salon

These vibrating quasiparticles can help scientists "see" beyond the diffraction limit of conventional microscopes and detect features in the material that give rise to quantum phenomena.

From Science Daily