exciton

noun

ex·​ci·​ton ˈek-sə-ˌtän How to pronounce exciton (audio)
-ˌsī-
: a mobile combination of an electron and a hole in an excited crystal (as of a semiconductor)
excitonic
ˌek-sə-ˈtä-nik How to pronounce exciton (audio)
-ˌsī-
adjective

Examples of exciton 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.
Now, under normal conditions, one photon excites one electron, creating a single unit of usable energy, known as an exciton. — New Atlas, 13 Apr. 2026 The team demonstrated that extending exciton lifetimes can significantly reduce the problem. — Georgina Jedikovska, Interesting Engineering, 24 June 2026 See All Example Sentences for exciton

Word History

Etymology

International Scientific Vocabulary excitation + -on entry 2

First Known Use

1936, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of exciton was in 1936

Rhymes for exciton

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Browse Nearby Words

excito-
exciton
excitor
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Cite this Entry

“Exciton.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/exciton. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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More from Merriam-Webster on exciton

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about exciton

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