quantum

[ kwon-tuh m ]

/ ˈkwɒn təm /

SEE MORE SYNONYMS FOR quantum 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.

Content related to quantum

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Words related to quantum

sum, amount, portion, measure, total, unit

Words nearby quantum

quantity theory, quantize, quantometer, quantong, quantrill, quantum, quantum bit, quantum chemistry, quantum chromodynamics, quantum computer, quantum cryptography

Origin of quantum

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

Definition for quantum (2 of 2)

quantum sufficit

[ kwahn-too m soof-i-kit; English kwon-tuh m suhf-uh-sit ]

/ ˈkwɑn tʊm ˈsuf ɪ kɪt; English ˈkwɒn təm ˈsʌf ə sɪt /

adverb Latin.

as much as suffices; enough.

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Examples from the Web for quantum

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
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

And they wield unheard of computing power; they manage to harness the immense amounts of information inherent in quantum waves.
The Big Idea: Werner Loewenstein’s ‘Physics in Mind’|Werner Loewenstein|February 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Nor is Quantum ever more or less Quantum; it does not admit of degree.
Aristotle|George Grote
Men wish to have, when they seek money, a quantum of value in highly saleable form.
The Value of Money|Benjamin M. Anderson, Jr.
As to the quantum of the price, that is altogether immaterial, unless there has been fraud in the transaction.'
Secrets of the Late Rebellion|J. R. Freese
So then Bar Hhasdai was sent for; and he advised change of air and quantum sufficit of generous red wine well spiced.
The Duchess of Trajetto|Anne Manning
It was the principle that united the Colonies to oppose it, not the quantum of the tax.
Novanglus, and Massachusettensis|John Adams

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

Medicine definitions for quantum

quantum

[ kwŏn′təm ]

n. pl. quan•ta (-tə)

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.

Science 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.