photon

See also: Photon

English

Etymology

photo- + -on
Coined in 1926 by the optical physicist Frithiof Wolfers and the chemist Gilbert N. Lewis.

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /ˈfəʊtɒn/

Noun

photon (plural photons)

  1. (physics) The quantum of light and other electromagnetic energy, regarded as a discrete particle having zero rest mass, no electric charge, and an indefinitely long lifetime. It is a gauge boson.
    • 2013 July-August, Fenella Saunders, “Tiny Lenses See the Big Picture”, in American Scientist:
      The single-imaging optic of the mammalian eye offers some distinct visual advantages. Such lenses can take in photons from a wide range of angles, increasing light sensitivity. They also have high spatial resolution, resolving incoming images in minute detail.

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French

Pronunciation

  • IPA(key): /fɔ.tɔ̃/
  • (file)
  • (file)

Noun

photon m (plural photons)

  1. (physics) photon

Further reading

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