octupolen.adj.
/ˈɒktjᵿpəʊl/, /ˈɒktʃᵿpəʊl/, U.S. /ˈɑkt(j)əˌpoʊl/ Physics.
A. n.
A multipole of order 3.
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the world > matter > physics > quantum theory > quantum mechanics > quantum electrodynamics > [noun] > single charge or pole > system of > of specific order
quadrupole1921
quadripole1927
octupole1929
octopole1961
hexadecapole1969
1929 P. Debye Polar Molecules ii. 26 The next configuration, constructed by a displacement of the quadrupole in an arbitrary direction, will give the octupole.
B. adj. (attributive).
Of or relating to an octupole or octupoles; that is an octupole. Frequently as octupole moment (cf. moment n. 8c).
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the world > matter > physics > quantum theory > quantum mechanics > quantum electrodynamics > [adjective] > relating to specific moments
quadrupole1922
quadripole1927
multipole1929
octopole1932
monopolar1948
sextupole1950
octupole1954
monopole1962
hexadecapole1969
the world > matter > physics > quantum theory > quantum mechanics > quantum electrodynamics > [noun] > multipole moment > of specific order
quadrupole moment1922
octupole moment1954
1954 Physical Rev. 94 1799 (heading) Hyperfine structure of In115. Evidence of a nuclear octupole moment.
1970 G. K. Woodgate Elem. Atomic Struct. ix. 166 The only multipole (2k-pole) moments which do not vanish are: magnetic dipole (k = 1), electric quadrupole (k = 2), magnetic octupole (k = 3), electric hexadecapole (k = 4), etc.
1997 Nucl. Physics A. 619 213 The present results suggest a vibrational octupole nature for the low-spin negative-parity states.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, March 2004; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.adj.1929