quantum

[ kwon-tuhm ]

/ ˈkwɒn təm /

See synonyms for: quantum / quanta on Thesaurus.com

noun, plural quan·ta [kwon-tuh]. /ˈkwɒn tə/.

quantity or amount: the least quantum of evidence.

a particular amount.

a share or portion.

a large quantity; bulk.

Physics.

the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.
the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.

adjective

sudden and significant: a quantum increase in productivity.

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Origin of quantum

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

Words nearby quantum

quantity theory, quantize, quantometer, quantong, Quantrill, quantum, quantum bit, quantum chemistry, quantum chromodynamics, quantum computer, quantum cryptography

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2021

Example sentences from the Web for quantum

In other words, “if you’re building a quantum computer, put it in a basement.”
Cosmic rays could pose a problem for future quantum computers|Neel Patel|August 26, 2020|MIT Technology Review
There’s no doubt quantum theory is successful at the practical level.
Schrödinger’s Cat When Nobody Is Looking - Issue 89: The Dark Side|Daniel Sudarsky|August 26, 2020|Nautilus
That is, we don’t need quantum computing or nanotube transistors to augment or replace silicon chips yet.
Moore’s Law Lives: Intel Says Chips Will Pack 50 Times More Transistors|Jason Dorrier|August 23, 2020|Singularity Hub
What makes the quantum computing competition different from most in the industry is that rivals are taking wildly different approaches.
This Week’s Awesome Tech Stories From Around the Web (Through August 22)|Singularity Hub Staff|August 22, 2020|Singularity Hub

Zooming in to that hidden center involves virtual particles — quantum fluctuations that subtly influence each interaction’s outcome.
The Mathematical Structure of Particle Collisions Comes Into View|Charlie Wood|August 20, 2020|Quanta Magazine
He majored in mathematical physics, studying mind-bending theories of quantum mechanics and partial differential equations.
How the NSA Became a Killing Machine|Shane Harris|November 9, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Weird as the theory is, invoking “quantum physics” is not an escape clause from obeying physical laws.
Dear NASA: Fuel-Free Rocket Thruster Is Literally Too Good to Be True|Matthew R. Francis|August 4, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Each type of atom and molecule has its own unique spectrum, according to the rules of quantum mechanics.
SAMI Is Like Google Earth for the Universe|Matthew R. Francis|July 27, 2014|DAILY BEAST
Which is why it continues to go forward, even as the odds for success dip to the quantum level.
The Obamacare Swindle|Jamelle Bouie|September 18, 2013|DAILY BEAST
And they wield unheard of computing power; they manage to harness the immense amounts of information inherent in quantum waves.
The Big Idea: Werner Loewenstein’s ‘Physics in Mind’|Werner Loewenstein|February 8, 2013|DAILY BEAST
Nor is Quantum ever more or less Quantum; it does not admit of degree.
Aristotle|George Grote
Men wish to have, when they seek money, a quantum of value in highly saleable form.
The Value of Money|Benjamin M. Anderson, Jr.
As to the quantum of the price, that is altogether immaterial, unless there has been fraud in the transaction.'
Secrets of the Late Rebellion|J. R. Freese
So then Bar Hhasdai was sent for; and he advised change of air and quantum sufficit of generous red wine well spiced.
The Duchess of Trajetto|Anne Manning
It was the principle that united the Colonies to oppose it, not the quantum of the tax.
Novanglus, and Massachusettensis|John Adams

British Dictionary definitions for quantum

quantum

/ (ˈkwɒntəm) /

noun plural -ta (-tə)

physics

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

amount or quantity, esp a specific amount

(often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can sufficethere is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation

something that can be quantified or measured

(modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally importanta quantum improvement

Word Origin for quantum

C17: from Latin quantus (adj) how much

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

Medical definitions for quantum

quantum

[ kwŏn′təm ]

n. pl. quan•ta (-tə)

The smallest amount of a physical quantity that can exist independently, especially a discrete quantity of electromagnetic radiation.

This amount of energy regarded as a unit.

A quantity or an amount.

Scientific definitions for quantum

quantum

[ kwŏn′təm ]

Plural quanta

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. See also quantum state.

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