quantum entanglement

noun

: a property of a set of subatomic particles whereby a quantum characteristic (such as spin or momentum) of one particle is directly and immediately correlated with the equivalent characteristic of the others regardless of separation in space
In quantum entanglement, subatomic particles maintain a relationship—for instance, vibrating when the other vibrates—even when separated and even if they are at great distances from each other.Sean Hamill
Quantum entanglement occurs when two systems share a common quantum mechanical state. Such systems also share a common fate, even if they become physically quite separated. The results of a measurement performed on one will determine the results of future measurements on the second.Claudia Tesche

Examples of quantum entanglement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
But in quantum entanglement the situation involves entangled qubits, which behave very differently than classical bits. William Mark Stuckey, The Conversation, 30 July 2024 Hard Science In quantum entanglement first, scientists link distant large objects Physicists create quantum entanglement, making two distant objects behave as one. Big Think, 24 June 2024 March 19, 2024 10 min read Electrons swarm in a soup of quantum entanglement in a new class of materials called strange metals Copper, platinum, aluminum, gold. Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 In these metals, electrons seem to lose their individual identities, acting more like a soup in which all the particles are connected through quantum entanglement. Douglas Natelson, Scientific American, 19 Mar. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quantum entanglement 

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum entanglement was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near quantum entanglement

Cite this Entry

“Quantum entanglement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20entanglement. Accessed 24 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!