1. a quantum of plasma oscillation; a collective excitation of free electrons in a conductor or plasma
Usage: physics; technical
2. the self-reproducing cytoplasmic material in a cell, distinct from the nucleus
Usage: biology; rare or archaic

Examples

• Researchers studied the behavior of plasmons in metallic nanoparticles.
• Surface plasmons can be used to enhance light absorption in solar cells.
• The interaction between light and plasmons enables new optical technologies.
• Plasmon resonance is exploited in biosensing applications.
• Early biologists used the term plasmon to describe the living substance of the cell.