phonon

noun

pho·​non ˈfō-ˌnän 

: a quantum of vibrational energy (as in a crystal)

Examples of phonon in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Nearly two decades later, a team of scientists led by Amir Safavi-Naeini, a physicist at Stanford University, has observed a quantum jump in phonons, the fundamental unit of sound. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Sep. 2026

In ordinary metals, phonons are frequently disrupted by collisions with one another and with electrons, reducing their ability to dissipate heat. — Rachel Nuwer, Scientific American, 11 Apr. 2026

Word History

Etymology

borrowed from Russian fonon, from Greek phōnḗ "sound made by something living, voice" + Russian -on -on entry 2 — more at phono-

First Known Use

1932, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for phonon

• kronen
• onan
• ronin
• calcitonin
• digitonin
• melatonin
• serotonin
• santonin