quantum

American  

[kwon-tuhm] / ˈkwɒn təm /

noun

plural

quanta

1. quantity or amount.

   the least quantum of evidence.

2. a particular amount.

3. a share or portion.

4. a large quantity; bulk.

5. Physics.

   1. the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.

   2. the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.

---

adjective

1. sudden and significant.

   a quantum increase in productivity.

quantum British  

/ ˈkwɒntəm /

noun

1. physics

   1. the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory

   2. a particle with such a unit of energy

2. amount or quantity, esp a specific amount

3. (often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can suffice

   there is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation

4. something that can be quantified or measured

5. (modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important

   a quantum improvement

---

quantum Scientific  

/ kwŏn′təm /

plural

quanta

1. A discrete, indivisible manifestation of a physical property, such as a force or angular momentum. Some quanta take the form of elementary particles; for example, the quantum of electromagnetic radiation is the photon, while the quanta of the weak force are the W and Z particles.

2. See also quantum state

---

Etymology

Origin of quantum

1610–20; noun use of neuter of Latin quantus how much

Example Sentences

It might seem natural to pit the capabilities of quantum computers—often touted as the next big technology—against today’s supercomputers.

From Barron's

The problem is that today's cooling systems also create noise, which can interfere with the fragile quantum information they are supposed to protect.

From Science Daily

It may seem natural to pit the capabilities of quantum computers—which are often touted as the next big technology—against today’s supercomputers.

From Barron's

But Cisco is using quantum technology in a bid to mitigate the risks of AI to security online.

From BBC

Leasing quantum compute capacity over the cloud can provide a steadier revenue stream.

From Barron's