exciton

noun

ex·​ci·​ton ˈek-sə-ˌtän 

-ˌsī-

: a mobile combination of an electron and a hole in an excited crystal (as of a semiconductor)

excitonic

ˌek-sə-ˈtä-nik 

-ˌsī-

adjective

Examples of exciton in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Quantum state using light In their approach, the researchers used strong coupling between light and matter inside an optical microcavity to generate exciton polaritons – hybrid quasiparticles. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 6 Nov. 2026

This quasiparticle — called an exciton — heads toward a reaction center, where it is transformed into chemical energy that can perform the key steps of photosynthesis. — Elise Cutts, Quanta Magazine, 23 Sep. 2026

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary excitation + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for exciton

• enlighten
• brighten
• chitin
• frighten
• heighten
• lighten
• phaeton
• tighten
• titan
• triton
• whiten
• periphyton