IPA: /ˈkwɑːzɪˌpɑːrtɪkəl/
KK: /ˈkwɑːzɪˌpɑːrtɪkl/
A type of entity that behaves like a single particle but is made up of multiple particles or interactions, often found in physics and materials science.
In condensed matter physics, quasiparticles help explain the behavior of electrons in a solid.
Quasiparticle is formed from "quasi-" (meaning as if or resembling) and "particle" (from Latin "particula", meaning a small part). The term refers to entities that behave like particles but are not fundamental particles themselves, often arising in condensed matter physics.
Think of 'quasi-' meaning 'as if' or 'resembling' and 'particle' meaning 'a small part' — this helps you remember that a quasiparticle behaves like a small part but is not a fundamental particle.