phonon
[ foh-non ]
/ ˈfoʊ nɒn /
noun Physics.
a quantum of sound or vibratory elastic energy, being the analogue of a photon of electromagnetic energy.
Words nearby phonon
British Dictionary definitions for phonon
phonon
/ (ˈfəʊnɒn) /
noun
physics
a quantum of vibrational energy in the acoustic vibrations of a crystal lattice
Word Origin for phonon
C20: from
phono- +
-on
Scientific definitions for phonon
phonon
[ fō′nŏn′ ]
The quantum of acoustic or vibrational energy. Phonons, like all quanta in quantum mechanics, have wavelike and particlelike properties. Phonons propagate through the vibrating material at the speed of sound in that material. Phonons are especially useful in mathematical models for calculating thermal and vibrational properties of solids.