soliton

[ sol-i-ton ]

/ ˈsɒl ɪˌtɒn /

Mathematics, Physics.

a solution of a certain type of partial differential equation that represents a solitary wave.

(loosely) a solitary wave.

Nearby words

solitary sandpiper, solitary tract, solitary vireo, solitary wasp, solitary wave, soliton, solitude, solitudinarian, sollar, solleret, sollicker

Origin of soliton

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

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for soliton

soliton

/ (ˈsɒlɪˌtɒn) /

noun

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

Word Origin for soliton

C20: from solit (ary) + -on

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012