quantum

[kwon-tuhm]

noun

plural

quanta 

1. quantity or amount.

   the least quantum of evidence.

2. a particular amount.

3. a share or portion.

4. a large quantity; bulk.

5. Physics.

   1. the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.

   2. the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.

adjective

1. sudden and significant.

   a quantum increase in productivity.

quantum

/ ˈkwɒntəm /

noun

1. physics

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

   2. a particle with such a unit of energy

2. amount or quantity, esp a specific amount

3. (often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can suffice

   there is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation

4. something that can be quantified or measured

5. (modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important

   a quantum improvement

quantum

plural

quanta 

1. 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.

2. See also quantum state

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum¹

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum¹

C17: from Latin quantus (adj) how much

Example Sentences

When GPS has become so untrustworthy we need the help of quantum physics.

Read more on The Wall Street Journal

Some on Wall Street have cited a common denominator driving trading in bitcoin and some stocks, most notably speculative plays like those focused on quantum computing.

Read more on MarketWatch

This week, Mike Cherney reports on scientists who are testing quantum sensors as a secure alternative to GPS, for both military and civilian applications.

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Leaders in quantum computing envision a future when the ultrapowerful machines can “talk” to each other across long distances.

Read more on Barron's

Leaders in quantum computing envision a future when the ultrapowerful machines can “talk” to each other across long distances.

Read more on Barron's