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.

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. 2018

Related Words for quantum jump

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

quantum jump in Science

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.