quasiparticle

[kwey-zahy-pahr-ti-kuhl, kwey-sahy-, kwah-see, -zee-]

noun

Physics.

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quasiparticle¹

First recorded in 1955–60; quasi- + particle

Example Sentences

The next step was to understand what determines the frequencies of these quasiparticles and how tightly light and matter couple together.

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

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The researchers intend to use their technique to study more exotic physics in related materials, such as anyons, a new type of quasiparticle that could enable a route to quantum computation.

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By the very nature of the phonon being a quasiparticle in a crystal it can be shown that the same mathematical pattern holds as for their biological counterparts in water.

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Inside a stark black building with tinted windows, Google researchers attempt to engineer the quasiparticle on supercooled chips encased in chilling systems that look like chandeliers.

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