quasiparticle

[ kwey-zahy-pahr-ti-kuh l, kwey-sahy-, kwah-see, -zee- ]
/ ˌkweɪ zaɪˈpɑr tɪ kəl, ˌkweɪ saɪ-, ˌkwɑ si, -zi- /

noun Physics.

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

Origin of quasiparticle

First recorded in 1955–60; quasi- + particle

Words nearby quasiparticle

quasi-stellar object, quasi-stellar radio source, quasicrystal, quasidominance, quasimodo, quasiparticle, quasquicentennial, quass, quassia, quassia family, quat.