quantum leap

noun

plural quantum leaps

: an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance

Note: Quantum leap is rarely used in scientific contexts, but it originated as a synonym of quantum jump, which describes an abrupt transition (as of an electron, an atom, or a molecule) from one discrete energy state to another.

Examples of quantum leap in a Sentence

Prices have taken a quantum leap upward.

The new drug is a quantum leap in the fight against cancer.

Recent Examples on the Web

With its patented super hinge technology, Mr. Lid is a quantum leap in storage solutions. —Lauren Carpenter, USA TODAY, 9 June 2024

The day quantum comes, there will be a quantum leap in cyber threats. —Ryan Hogg, Fortune, 12 June 2024

And none of the main players in the region wants to see a quantum leap in the power of ISIS or other Salafi jihadist organizations. —Steven Simon, Foreign Affairs, 9 Oct. 2015

Besides the quantum leap in storage, Gmail also came equipped with Google's search technology so users could quickly retrieve a tidbit from an old email, photo or other personal information stored on the service. —Michael Liedtke, Quartz, 1 Apr. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above