soliton

American  

[sol-i-ton] / ˈsɒl ɪˌtɒn /

Mathematics, Physics.

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

2. (loosely) a solitary wave.

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soliton British  

/ 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

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Etymology

Origin of soliton

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

Example Sentences

The outcome is a long-lived, topologically locked state known as a knot soliton.

From Science Daily

At a very different scale, a black hole can be understood as a topological soliton in the fabric of spacetime.

From Science Daily

The Scottish engineer and naval architect John Scott Russell first spotted a soliton in 1834 as it traveled along the Union Canal.

From New York Times

Fincham, who was born in Britain and grew up in Jamaica, envisioned a soliton—a solitary wave that maintains its energy as it propagates.

From The New Yorker

Nucleon form factors of the energy–momentum tensor in the chiral quark–soliton model.

From Nature