quantum
[kwon-tuh m]
- 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.
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- sudden and significant: a quantum increase in productivity.
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Origin of quantum
1610–20; noun use of neuter of Latin quantus how much
quantum sufficit
[kwahn-too m soof-i-kit; English kwon-tuh m suhf-uh-sit]
- as much as suffices; enough.
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Dictionary.com Unabridged
Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2018
Examples from the Web for quantum
Contemporary Examples
He majored in mathematical physics, studying mind-bending theories of quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.
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 TrueMatthew R. Francis
August 4, 2014
Each type of atom and molecule has its own unique spectrum, according to the rules of quantum mechanics.
Which is why it continues to go forward, even as the odds for success dip to the quantum level.
And they wield unheard of computing power; they manage to harness the immense amounts of information inherent in quantum waves.
Historical Examples
I have something to tell you,” said Brandon grinning, “about the quantum jump.
The Quantum JumpRobert Wicks
In respect to foreigners the only guide is that of "quantum meruit."
The Sailor's Word-BookWilliam Henry Smyth
The only question then left was the quantum of damages, to be assessed by a jury.
Now, no matter what the quantum might have been, it loses energy in kicking the atom.
The Ultimate WeaponJohn Wood Campbell
Quantum sufficit, my boy,” he said; “but I will eat a few of your grapes.
Marcus: the Young CenturionGeorge Manville Fenn
quantum
- 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
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Word Origin
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
Word Origin and History for quantum
n.
1610s, "one's share or portion," from Latin quantum (plural quanta) "as much as, so much as; how much? how far? how great an extent?" neuter singular of correlative pronomial adjective quantus "as much" (see quantity). Introduced in physics directly from Latin by Max Planck, 1900; reinforced by Einstein, 1905. Quantum theory is from 1912; quantum mechanics, 1922; quantum jump is first recorded 1954; quantum leap, 1963, often figurative.
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Online Etymology Dictionary, © 2010 Douglas Harper
quantum
(kwŏn′təm)- The smallest amount of a physical quantity that can exist independently, especially a discrete quantity of electromagnetic radiation.
- This amount of energy regarded as a unit.
- A quantity or an amount.
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The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.
quantum
[kwŏn′təm]
- 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.
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The American Heritage® Science Dictionary
Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.