tachyon

/ˈtæ.kiˌɑn/

UK: /ˈtæk.i.ɒn/

TÆ · kiɑn (2 syllables)

English Noun Top 38,763

Definition

A hypothetical particle that travels faster than the speed of light.

Etymology

Formed as: tachy- + -on, from ταχύς (takhús, “swift”, “rapid”). Coined by American physicist Gerald Feinberg in 1967.