photon

pho·ton  (ftn)

n.

1. The quantum of electromagnetic energy, regarded as a discrete particle having zero mass, no electric charge, and an indefinitely long lifetime. See Table at subatomic particle.

2. A unit of retinal illumination, equal to the amount of light that reaches the retina through 1 square millimeter of pupil area from a surface having a brightness of 1 candela per square meter.

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pho·tonic adj.

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photon

Noun

Physics a quantum of electromagnetic radiation energy, such as light, having both particle and wave behaviour

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photon  (ftn)

The subatomic particle that carries the electromagnetic force and is the quantum of electromagnetic radiation. The photon has a rest mass of zero, but has measurable momentum, exhibits deflection by a gravitational field, and can exert a force. It has no electric charge, has an indefinitely long lifetime, and is its own antiparticle. See Note at electromagnetic radiation. See Table at subatomic particle.

Thesaurus

Noun

1.

photon - a quantum of electromagnetic radiation; an elementary particle that is its own antiparticle gauge boson - a particle that mediates the interaction of two elementary particles electromagnetic radiation, electromagnetic wave, nonparticulate radiation - radiation consisting of waves of energy associated with electric and magnetic fields resulting from the acceleration of an electric charge