Phrase guide

Wigner crystal

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

Sound

Pronunciation

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1

noun

Meaning 1

A solid crystalline phase of electrons that forms when the electron density is sufficiently low.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Qualifier: condensed matter physics

Examples

  • 2013, Yehuda B. Band, Yshai Avishai, Quantum Mechanics with Applications to Nanotechnology and Information Science, Elsevier (Academic Press), page 816, 3D Wigner crystals have not been observed experimentally. In addition to the difficulties in achieving low density, a Wigner crystal, once created, is not stable against various perturbations.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: electron crystal

Antonyms: none provided

History

Etymology

Named after Hungarian-American physicist, Eugene Wigner, who predicted the crystalline state in 1934.

Across languages

Translations

2 source translations are retained for this English entry.

  • French: cristal de Wigner — crystalline phase of electrons
  • German: Wigner-Kristall — crystalline phase of electrons