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
Chess on grass The change in tack since 2019 is a quantum leap.
—
Phil Hay, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
The quantum leap came with the arrival of the railroad in 1871.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024
The quantum leap in cryptography is upon us, and those who prepare now will be best positioned to thrive in the post-quantum world.
—Anand Kashyap, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Embracing the freedom to retreat facilitates a quantum leap while the sun meets Uranus.
—USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for quantum leap 
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.
Phil Hay, The Athletic, 23 July 2024
The quantum leap came with the arrival of the railroad in 1871.
—Michael Barnes, Austin American-Statesman, 13 Feb. 2024
The quantum leap in cryptography is upon us, and those who prepare now will be best positioned to thrive in the post-quantum world.
—Anand Kashyap, Forbes, 21 Oct. 2024
Embracing the freedom to retreat facilitates a quantum leap while the sun meets Uranus.
—USA TODAY, 19 Sep. 2024
See all Example Sentences for quantum leap
Articles Related to quantum leap
Dictionary Entries Near quantum leap
Cite this Entry
“Quantum leap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20leap. Accessed 21 Dec. 2024.
Copy CitationLove words? Need even more definitions?
Merriam-Webster unabridged
Share