quantum mechanics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

called also wave mechanics

quantum mechanical adjective

quantum mechanically adverb

Examples of quantum mechanics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

But how? Quantum computers rely on quantum mechanics to process information. —David Joosten, Forbes, 25 Feb. 2025

Interactions between particles there are governed only by a version of quantum mechanics called conformal field theory, or CFT. —Lyndie Chiou, Quanta Magazine, 24 Feb. 2025

Quantum computing, which builds on decades of research into a type of physics called quantum mechanics, is still an experimental technology. —Cade Metz, New York Times, 19 Feb. 2025

Context: Quantum computing is bleeding-edge stuff, applying the principles of quantum mechanics to perform computing tasks far too difficult for traditional computing. —Ben Berkowitz, Axios, 8 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quantum mechanics

• biomechanics
• hispanics
• organics
• volcanics
• panics

Medical Definition

quantum mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

called also wave mechanics

quantum mechanical adjective

quantum mechanically adverb