# phonon

> English word · Noun · IPA /ˈfoʊ.nɑn/ · frequency rank #74,395

## Definitions
1. The quantum of acoustic or vibrational energy (sound), considered a discrete particle rather than a wave.

## Etymology
From phono- + -on. From Ancient Greek φωνή (phōnḗ, “sound”). Modelled after photon.

## Source
Compiled from Wiktionary via kaikki.org (CC BY-SA). Data vintage: 2026-05-06.
Canonical page: https://plainspell.com/en/word/phonon