quantum

1 of 2

noun

quan·​tum ˈkwän-təm 

plural quanta ˈkwän-tə 

1

a

: quantity, amount

b

: portion, part

c

: gross quantity : bulk

2

a

: any of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided

b

: any of the small subdivisions of a quantized physical magnitude (such as magnetic moment)

quantum

2 of 2

adjective

1

: large, significant

a quantum improvement

2

: of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics

quantum physics

Synonyms

Noun

• amount
• measure
• quantity
• volume

Examples of quantum in a Sentence

Noun

the sum of human knowledge is now so immense that even a highly educated person can hope to absorb only a tiny quantum of it

Recent Examples on the Web

Noun

Moreover, the potential emergence of quantum computing in the very near future poses a significant challenge to the encryption methods currently employed to protect data integrity and confidentiality. —Robert McNutt, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

This means researchers can expect, on average, that one out of every 100 to 1000 quantum gate operations will result in an error, or error rates of anywhere from 0.1 percent to one percent of the time. —Kate Irwin, PCMAG, 23 Oct. 2024

Adjective

No longer constrained by today’s physical limitations, future networks could draw from quantum insights to deliver instantaneous, secure transactions on a global scale. —Eric Solis, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024

By harnessing the complex nature of quantum particles, the hope is to exponentially increase computing power far beyond conventional means. —Robert McCoppin, Chicago Tribune, 21 Oct. 2024

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, neuter of quantus how much

First Known Use

Noun

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quantum

• light quantum
• magnetic quantum number
• quantum chromodynamics
• quantum computer
• quantum dot
• quantum electrodynamics
• quantum entanglement
• quantum field theory
• quantum jump
• quantum leap
• quantum mechanics
• quantum number
• quantum theory

Kids Definition

quantum

1 of 2 noun

quan·​tum ˈkwänt-əm 

plural quanta ˈkwänt-ə 

: the smallest amount of many forms of energy (as light)

quantum

2 of 2 adjective

: of or relating to the principles of quantum theory

quantum physics

Medical Definition

quantum

noun

quan·​tum ˈkwänt-əm 

plural quanta ˈkwänt-ə 

1

: one of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided

a molecule of rhodopsin in the human eye can cause a response to a single quantum of light

2

: one of the small molecular packets of a neurotransmitter (as acetylcholine) released into the synaptic cleft in the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse