chroniton

13 9.9

A made-up particle in science fiction that changes time

noun
/ˈkrɒnɪtɒn/

Jargon

: cronitón

The experiment relied on the manipulation of chronitons to achieve faster-than-light travel.
chroniton particles
chroniton fields
chroniton torpedo

Examples

In the story, the villain used a chroniton field to freeze everyone in place.
The scientists detected a surge of chroniton particles near the temporal anomaly.
A malfunction in the chroniton generator caused the crew to experience time at different speeds.
In the latest episode, the scientist discovered a new chroniton particle.
The spaceship was powered by chronitons to facilitate time travel.
Scientists theorize that a chroniton field might allow for time travel to be possible.
The discovery of chroniton particles has opened new possibilities in the study of time theory.

Surface Forms

chroniton singular

chronitons plural

Morphology

chroniton = chrono + on

The form clearly signals a relation to time through chrono- and a particle-like ending in -on, but the specific fictional meaning is not fully predictable from the parts.

Etymology

Chroniton is a science-fiction creation made from chrono- 'time', as in chronology, and the particle ending -ton, like in proton. So it's easy to remember as an imagined 'time particle' that stories use to explain or change time.