quantum electrodynamics

Save This Word!

noun Physics.

the quantum field theory that deals with the electromagnetic field and its interaction with electrons and positrons. Abbreviation: QED

QUIZ

TAKE JOY IN ACING THIS QUIZ ON “PRIDE” SYNONYMS

Hold your head up high as you embark on this quiz that explores some of the synonyms and meanings of “pride.”

Question 1 of 7

What does "dignity" mean?

showing self-respect

treating others with kindness

acting selfishly

TAKE THE QUIZ TO FIND OUT

Origin of quantum electrodynamics

First recorded in 1925–30

Words nearby quantum electrodynamics

quantum chemistry, quantum chromodynamics, quantum computer, quantum cryptography, quantum efficiency, quantum electrodynamics, quantum electronics, quantum field theory, quantum flavourdynamics, quantum gravity, quantum jump

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2022

How to use quantum electrodynamics in a sentence

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
For that reason, researchers have developed a framework to describe quantum theory in combination with general relativity.
Black Holes Exist. So Does Bad Science|Matthew R. Francis|September 28, 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
He went off into a happy mist of quantum mechanics, oscillation theory, and periodic functions of a complex variable.
Security|Poul William Anderson
The man had used a simplified quantum mechanics without correction for relativistic effects.
Security|Poul William Anderson
The ortho molecules rotate with odd rotational quantum numbers, while the para molecules rotate with even quantum numbers.
Unwise Child|Gordon Randall Garrett
The first is that the papers could be turned into a novel with hardly any important alteration, and with only quantum suff.
The English Novel|George Saintsbury
Paretur itaque librorum quantum satis sit, nihil in apparatum.
The Book-Hunter|John Hill Burton

British Dictionary definitions for quantum electrodynamics

quantum electrodynamics

noun

physics a relativistic quantum mechanical theory concerned with electromagnetic interactionsAbbreviation: QED

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

Scientific definitions for quantum electrodynamics

quantum electrodynamics

A quantum field theory of electromagnetism that explains the interactions between electrically charged particles and photons. According to quantum electrodynamics, charged particles interact with one other by emitting or absorbing photons, which are the carriers of the electromagnetic force. Quantum electrodynamics correctly predicts such phenomena as the structure of atoms, and the creation and annihilation of particles (for example, when matter and antimatter collide). Quantum electrodynamics is one of the most well-tested, accurate, and successful theories in physics.