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tachyon

Upper-Intermediate (B2)

IPA: /ˈtækiɒn/

KK: /ˈtækiˌɒn/

noun
Definition

A theoretical particle that is believed to move faster than light.


Example

Scientists are exploring the concept of tachyons to understand faster-than-light travel.


Conversation
Sloth A
Have you ever heard of a tachyon?
Sloth B
Yeah, I read that it's supposed to travel faster than light.
Sloth A
It's such a fascinating concept, isn't it?
Sloth B
Definitely! I wonder if they really exist.

Synonyms & Antonyms
Synonyms
particle
Antonyms
antiparticle
Root Explanation

Tachyon is formed from "tachy-" (from Greek "tachys", meaning swift or fast) and "-on" (a suffix used in physics to denote particles). The word "tachyon" refers to a hypothetical particle that travels faster than light, hence the connection to speed.

Memory Tip

Think of 'swift' ('tachy-') to remember that a tachyon is a particle that moves faster than light.

Visually Confused Words

No commonly confused words.

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