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nonclassical

American  
[non-klas-i-kuhl] / nɒnˈklæs ɪ kəl /

adjective

  1. not classical or contrary to classical precepts.

  2. Physics. pertaining to a law, theory, or observation that cannot be expressed or understood in terms of Newtonian physics.


Other Word Forms

Etymology

Origin of nonclassical

First recorded in 1925–30; non- + classical

Example Sentences

Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.

See Examples For:

These observations confirmed that the experiment had successfully produced genuine quantum superpositions composed of truly nonclassical motional states.

From Science Daily Jun. 15, 2026

Her longtime collaborator and “Jaguar II” producer Dernst Emile II, known as D’Mile, was nominated for producer of the year, nonclassical, for the second year in a row.

From New York Times Nov. 10, 2023

Phil appointment also was heralded by nonclassical musicians — including songwriter-guitarist Yordano and Venezuelan singer Nella Rojas, who worked with Dudamel on the 2020 documentary “Free Color.”

From Los Angeles Times Feb. 8, 2023

And the engineers who worked on “Chloë and the Next 20th Century,” the latest album from onetime Seattleite and current Sub Pop star Father John Misty, are up for best engineered album, nonclassical.

From Seattle Times Feb. 4, 2023

No one who has heard Kendrick Lamar’s stunning album “Damn” could be at all surprised that it is the first nonclassical or jazz recording to win a Pulitzer Prize.

From Washington Post Apr. 17, 2018

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