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

This form of computing could theoretically make, ahem, quantum leaps in both speed and number of calculations a computer could perform simultaneously. —Paul Smaglik, Discover Magazine, 20 Feb. 2025

Leveraging Quantum Computing To Challenge Encryption The next quantum leap will probably be in quantum computing. —Expert Panel®, Forbes, 8 Jan. 2025

More:The Sphere in Las Vegas really is a 'quantum leap' for live music: Inside the first shows Need a break? —Melissa Ruggieri, USA TODAY, 16 Jan. 2025

Consolidating Your Collection The quantum leap is always a big step. —Allen Farmelo, Robb Report, 2 Jan. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1956, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quantum leap

• multistep
• overstep
• bicep
• doorstep
• footstep
• instep
• lockstep
• misstep
• sidestep
• cep
• hep
• pep