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

Cutting-Edge Experiences: Immersive learning opportunities in emerging fields like space technology, synthetic biology, or quantum computing expose employees to frontier innovations. —Cheryl Robinson, Forbes, 2 Nov. 2024

To stop the Chinese military from winning the tech arms race, the Treasury Department will soon block and monitor American financial and other support for AI, computer chips, and quantum computing in China. —Nick Rockel, Fortune, 1 Nov. 2024

Adjective

The key is not just improving quantum hardware or algorithms but optimizing the entire stack—from hardware and software to control systems and applications—to harness the computational power that’s currently available. —Yuval Boger, Forbes, 5 Nov. 2024

For Bill, the knowledge isn’t that of quantum worlds or technological instruments of mass death, but that of the Catholic Church and its hold on the Irish people. —Harrison Richlin, IndieWire, 5 Nov. 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