quantum

American  

[kwon-tuhm] / ˈkwɒn təm /

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.

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adjective

1. sudden and significant.

   a quantum increase in productivity.

quantum British  

/ 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

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quantum Scientific  

/ kwŏn′təm /

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

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Etymology

Origin of quantum

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

Example Sentences

Looking ahead, these microresonators could be used to create compact microlasers, highly sensitive chemical and biological sensors, and tools for quantum metrology and networking.

From Science Daily

"Materials that are triplet superconductors are a kind of 'holy grail' in quantum technology, and more specifically quantum computing," explained Linder.

From Science Daily

Researchers at the Niels Bohr Institute have significantly increased how quickly changes in delicate quantum states can be detected inside a qubit.

From Science Daily

A new contender among quantum computing stocks has entered the ring.

From Barron's

Any attempt to intercept the quantum signals disturbs them, creating detectable errors that alert users to possible eavesdropping.

From Science Daily