soliton

[ sol-i-ton ]

Mathematics, Physics.

1. a solution of a certain type of partial differential equation that represents a solitary wave.
2. (loosely) a solitary wave.

soliton

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of soliton¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of soliton¹

C20: from solit ( ary ) + -on

Example Sentences

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

This creates a soliton that stands more than 2 meters tall.

From Science Magazine