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

Photonics and laser technology: Companies working on quantum technologies often require components like lasers and photonics. —John Prisco, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

The stock got a boost Tuesday after Google said its new chip, Willow, achieved a new breakthrough with quantum computing. —Brian Evans, CNBC, 11 Dec. 2024

Adjective

Bitcoin creator Satoshi Nakamoto addressed the threat in 2010, and the quantum commuting page on the Bitcoin wiki was created in 2016. —Ansel Lindner, Forbes, 12 Dec. 2024

Investors can thank Alphabet ’s breakout on the back of a quantum announcement. —Alex Harring, CNBC, 11 Dec. 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