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.

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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

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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

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Etymology

Origin of quantum

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

Explanation

While quantum refers to a general quantity or size, it is most often used in physics as a measure of the smallest amount of something — usually energy — that something can possess. The plural form is quanta. In the 17th century, the word quantum, from the Latin word for "how much," referred to a portion. Quantum is usually a noun referring to a specific amount of something. However, it can also be used as an adjective, as in the phrase "quantum leap," where it refers to a sudden, important change. Outside of physics, the word might be used with "not" to refer to something insignificant, as in "There's not a quantum of truth in what you say."

Example Sentences

"Gravitational waves modulate the quantum field, which in turn affects spontaneous emission," said Jerzy Paczos, a PhD student at Stockholm University.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

"In addition, these materials exhibit astounding quantum properties, such as quantum coherence at room temperature," explains Alpichshev, whose research group studies complex phenomena in advanced materials.

From Science Daily • Apr. 10, 2026

“Overall, I think taking a long-term approach in business, and particularly in quantum, is the best strategy, and we’ll continue to do that.”

From Barron's • Apr. 9, 2026

“We have no wiring between neutral atoms. As a consequence of that, it’s easily scalable, so we can have tens of thousands of qubits in each quantum computer.”

From Barron's • Apr. 8, 2026

The new theory of quantum mechanics resolved this difficulty.

From "A Brief History of Time: And Other Essays" by Stephen Hawking