quantum field theory

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noun Physics.

any theory in which fields are treated by the methods of quantum mechanics; each field can then be regarded as consisting of particles of a particular kind, which may be created and annihilated.

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Origin of quantum field theory

First recorded in 1945–50

Words nearby quantum field theory

quantum computer, quantum cryptography, quantum efficiency, quantum electrodynamics, quantum electronics, quantum field theory, quantum flavourdynamics, quantum gravity, quantum jump, quantum leap, quantum mechanics

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

How to use quantum field theory in a sentence

Weinberg did important technical work in other realms of physics as well, and wrote several authoritative textbooks on such topics as general relativity and cosmology and quantum field theory.
With Steven Weinberg’s death, physics loses a titan|Tom Siegfried|July 25, 2021|Science News
The basic objects of a quantum field theory are quantum fields, which spread across the universe and, through their fluctuations, give rise to the most fundamental phenomena in the physical world.
A Video Tour of the Standard Model|Kevin Hartnett|July 16, 2021|Quanta Magazine
It is an umbrella term that encompasses many specific quantum field theories — the way “shape” covers specific examples like the square and the circle.
The Mystery at the Heart of Physics That Only Math Can Solve|Kevin Hartnett|June 10, 2021|Quanta Magazine
The impetus this time was the self-duality equation, a nonlinear differential equation that arises in quantum field theory.
Isadore Singer Transcended Mathematical Boundaries|Daniel S. Freed|March 4, 2021|Quanta Magazine

Physicists use quantum field theory to calculate essential formulas called scattering amplitudes, some of the most basic calculable features of reality.
What Is a Particle?|Natalie Wolchover|November 12, 2020|Quanta Magazine
The eating disorder field remains divided over the potential efficacy of such measures.
How Skinny Is Too Skinny? Israel Bans ‘Underweight’ Models|Carrie Arnold|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But at the heart of this “Truther” conspiracy theory is the idea that “someone” wants to destroy Bill Cosby.
Phylicia Rashad and the Cult of Cosby Truthers|Stereo Williams|January 8, 2015|DAILY BEAST
Is it sort of evidence of the Gladwellian 10,000 hours theory?
Coffee Talk with Fred Armisen: On ‘Portlandia,’ Meeting Obama, and Taylor Swift’s Greatness|Marlow Stern|January 7, 2015|DAILY BEAST
“He was a brave field commander and an expert in intelligence, and in organizing popular and tribal forces,” said the eulogist.
What an Iranian Funeral Tells Us About the Wars in Iraq|IranWire|January 6, 2015|DAILY BEAST
But a 2011 study of genetic evidence from 30 ethnic groups in India disproved this theory.
The Himalayas’ Hidden Aryans|Nina Strochlic|January 3, 2015|DAILY BEAST
He distinguished himself in several campaigns, especially in the Peninsular war, and was raised to the rank of field marshal.
The Every Day Book of History and Chronology|Joel Munsell
In the year of misery, of agony and suffering in general he had endured, he had settled upon one theory.
The Homesteader|Oscar Micheaux
Dean Swift was indeed a misanthrope by theory, however he may have made exception to private life.
Gulliver's Travels|Jonathan Swift
We had six field-pieces, but we only took four, harnessed wit twice the usual number of horses.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various
There were two battalions, together about a thousand men; and they brought a field-piece with them.
Blackwood's Edinburgh Magazine, No. CCCXXXIX. January, 1844. Vol. LV.|Various

British Dictionary definitions for quantum field theory

quantum field theory

noun

physics quantum mechanical theory concerned with elementary particles, which are represented by fields whose normal modes of oscillation are quantized

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 field theory

quantum field theory

The application of quantum mechanics to physical systems described by fields, such as electromagnetic fields. Quantum field theory was developed to overcome certain deficiencies in Schrödinger's equation, in particular the fact that it was not consistent with special relativity and was difficult to apply to systems involving many particles or to the creation and destruction of particles. See also quantum chromodynamics quantum electrodynamics.