quantum

[ kwon-tuhm ]

/ ˈkwɒn təm /

Save This Word!

See synonyms for: quantum / quanta on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural quan·ta

[kwon-tuh]. /ˈkwɒn tə/.

quantity or amount: the least quantum of evidence.

a particular amount.

a share or portion.

a large quantity; bulk.

Physics.

the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.
the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.

adjective

sudden and significant: a quantum increase in productivity.

QUIZ

CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

There are grammar debates that never die; and the ones highlighted in the questions in this quiz are sure to rile everyone up once again. Do you know how to answer the questions that cause some of the greatest grammar debates?

Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of quantum

1610–20; noun use of neuter of Latin quantus how much

Words nearby quantum

quantize, quantized, quantometer, quantong, Quantrill, quantum, quantum bit, quantum chemistry, quantum chromodynamics, quantum computer, quantum cryptography

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use quantum in a sentence

In other words, “if you’re building a quantum computer, put it in a basement.”
Cosmic rays could pose a problem for future quantum computers|Neel Patel|August 26, 2020|MIT Technology Review
There’s no doubt quantum theory is successful at the practical level.
Schrödinger’s Cat When Nobody Is Looking - Issue 89: The Dark Side|Daniel Sudarsky|August 26, 2020|Nautilus
That is, we don’t need quantum computing or nanotube transistors to augment or replace silicon chips yet.
Moore’s Law Lives: Intel Says Chips Will Pack 50 Times More Transistors|Jason Dorrier|August 23, 2020|Singularity Hub
What makes the quantum computing competition different from most in the industry is that rivals are taking wildly different approaches.
This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through August 22)|Singularity Hub Staff|August 22, 2020|Singularity Hub

Zooming in to that hidden center involves virtual particles — quantum fluctuations that subtly influence each interaction’s outcome.
The Mathematical Structure of Particle Collisions Comes Into View|Charlie Wood|August 20, 2020|Quanta Magazine
He majored in mathematical physics, studying mind-bending theories of quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.
How the NSA Became a Killing Machine|Shane Harris|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
For that reason, researchers have developed a framework to describe quantum theory in combination with general relativity.
Black Holes Exist. So Does Bad Science|Matthew R. Francis|September 28, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Weird as the theory is, invoking “quantum physics” is not an escape clause from obeying physical laws.
Dear NASA: Fuel-Free Rocket Thruster Is Literally Too Good to Be True|Matthew R. Francis|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Each type of atom and molecule has its own unique spectrum, according to the rules of quantum mechanics.
SAMI Is Like Google Earth for the Universe|Matthew R. Francis|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Which is why it continues to go forward, even as the odds for success dip to the quantum level.
The Obamacare Swindle|Jamelle Bouie|September 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
He went off into a happy mist of quantum mechanics, oscillation theory, and periodic functions of a complex variable.
Security|Poul William Anderson
The man had used a simplified quantum mechanics without correction for relativistic effects.
Security|Poul William Anderson
The ortho molecules rotate with odd rotational quantum numbers, while the para molecules rotate with even quantum numbers.
Unwise Child|Gordon Randall Garrett
The first is that the papers could be turned into a novel with hardly any important alteration, and with only quantum suff.
The English Novel|George Saintsbury
Paretur itaque librorum quantum satis sit, nihil in apparatum.
The Book-Hunter|John Hill Burton

British Dictionary definitions for quantum

quantum

/ (ˈkwɒntəm) /

noun plural -ta (-tə)

physics

the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory
a particle with such a unit of energy

amount or quantity, esp a specific amount

(often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can sufficethere is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation

something that can be quantified or measured

(modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally importanta quantum improvement

Word Origin for quantum

C17: from Latin quantus (adj) how much

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for quantum

quantum

[ kwŏn′təm ]

Plural quanta

A discrete, indivisible manifestation of a physical property, such as a force or angular momentum. Some quanta take the form of elementary particles; for example, the quantum of electromagnetic radiation is the photon, while the quanta of the weak force are the W and Z particles. See also quantum state.

quantum

Origin of quantum

Words nearby quantum

Words related to quantum

How to use quantum in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for quantum

Word Origin for quantum

Scientific definitions for quantum