polaron

noun

po·​lar·​on ˈpō-lə-ˌrän How to pronounce polaron (audio)
: a conducting electron in an ionic crystal together with the induced polarization of the surrounding lattice

Examples of polaron in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
These polarons served as optical probes for the crystal and its collective dynamics. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 11 Aug. 2026 Given that polarons can last for about 11 nanoseconds, the scientists think that acoustic exciton-polarons could cover more than 25 micrometers before scattering. — IEEE Spectrum, 6 Nov. 2023

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary polar + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1946, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of polaron was in 1946

Rhymes for polaron

See All Rhymes for polaron

Browse Nearby Words

Polaroid
polaron
polar ox
See all Nearby Words

Cite this Entry

“Polaron.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/polaron. Accessed 22 Aug. 2026.

Copy Citation

More from Merriam-Webster on polaron

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about polaron

Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

More from Merriam-Webster

Word of the Day

Listen to the pronunciation of august

See Definitions and Examples »

Popular in Grammar & Usage

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

How to Pronounce the Trickiest Menu Items

'A' or 'an'? What about before 'h'? An Indefinite Article Guide

Do you 'say your piece' or 'say your peace'?

Why is '-ed' sometimes pronounced at the end of a word?
See More

Popular in Wordplay

See More

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List

Even More Words That Sound Like Insults But Aren't

The Words of the Week - Aug. 21

12 Lovely and Unusual Words for the Natural World
See More

Popular

See More

A Who’s Who Regarding ‘Who’s’ and ‘Whose’

Words from the 'Odyssey'

The Longest Long Words List
See More

Games & Quizzes

See All
Play Quordle: Guess all four words in a limited number of tries. Each of your guesses must be a real 5-letter word.
Quordle Can you solve 4 words at once?
Play Blossom: Solve today's spelling word game by finding as many words as you can using just 7 letters. Longer words score more points.
Blossom Pick the best words!
Play Missing Letter: a crossword with a twist. Each of the 25 puzzle words start with a different letter of the alphabet. Which letter is missing?
The Missing Letter A daily crossword with a twist
alt-684346df967d5
Add A Letter Quiz Pick the letter that goes in the same spot in fou...
See All