definitions

quantum jump

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noun

Physics. an abrupt transition of a system described by quantum mechanics from one of its discrete states to another, as the fall of an electron in an atom to an orbit of lower energy.
any sudden and significant change, advance, or increase.

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RELATED WORDS

advance, breakthrough, inspiration, jump, transilience, conversion, metamorphosis, transformation, upheaval, transfiguration

Nearby words

quantum electrodynamics, quantum electronics, quantum field theory, quantum flavourdynamics, quantum gravity, quantum jump, quantum leap, quantum mechanics, quantum meruit, quantum number, quantum optics

Origin of quantum jump

First recorded in 1925–30
Also called quantum leap.
Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

Science definitions for quantum jump

quantum jump

A change from one quantum state to another, as when an electron orbiting a nucleus moves from one shell to another with the loss or gain of a quantum of energy.
The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.