(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(n)
Synonyms: solitary wave
soliton
soliton wave
Hypernyms: traveling wave
travelling wave
Examples: soliton waves can travel long distances with little loss of energy or structure