quantum theory

[ kwon-tuhm thee-uh-ree, theer-ee ]
See synonyms for quantum theory on Thesaurus.com
nounPhysics.
  1. any theory predating quantum mechanics that encompassed Planck's radiation law and a scheme for obtaining discrete energy states for atoms, such as the Bohr model.

  2. any theory that treats certain phenomena by the methods of quantum mechanics:a quantum theory of gravitation.

Origin of quantum theory

1
First recorded in 1910–15

Words Nearby quantum theory

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2024

How to use quantum theory in a sentence

British Dictionary definitions for quantum theory

quantum theory

noun
  1. a theory concerning the behaviour of physical systems based on Planck's idea that they can only possess certain properties, such as energy and angular momentum, in discrete amounts (quanta). The theory later developed in several equivalent mathematical forms based on De Broglie's theory and on the Heisenberg uncertainty principle: See wave mechanics

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 theory

quantum theory

  1. Any of various theories that makes use of the assumptions, principles, and laws of quantum mechanics.

The American Heritage® Science Dictionary Copyright © 2011. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.