solitary wave

/ˌsɑləˈtɛri weɪv/
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Other forms: solitary waves

Definitions of solitary wave
  1. noun
    (physics) a quantum of energy or quasiparticle that can be propagated as a traveling wave in nonlinear systems and is neither preceded nor followed by another such disturbance; does not obey the superposition principle and does not dissipate
    synonyms: soliton, soliton wave
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    type of:
    traveling wave, travelling wave
    a wave in which the medium moves in the direction of propagation of the wave
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