Where does “phonon” come from?
Phonon derives from Ancient Greek φωνή, from Proto-Indo-European bʰeh₂-, a root meaning to speak or shine.
phonon (English): The quantum of acoustic or vibrational energy (sound), considered a discrete particle rather than a wave
Definitions
- The quantum of acoustic or vibrational energy (sound), considered a discrete particle rather than a wave
Ancestry of “phonon”, step by step
| Step | Language | Word | Meaning |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | English | -ön | Forming nouns denoting subatomic particles and quanta |
| 2 | English | -one | a ketone; any similar compound containing a... |
| 3 | English | ketone | A homologous series of organic molecules whose... |
| 4 | German | Keton | ketone |
| 5 | German | Aketon | acetone |
| 6 | French | acétone | acetone |
| 7 | Latin | acētum | vinegar |
| 8 | French | -ate | ate |
| 9 | Latin | -ātus | ed |
| 10 | Proto-Italic | -ātos | — |
| 11 | Proto-Indo-European | -éh₂tos | Forms adjectives from nouns, indicating the possession of a thing or a quality |