Heisenberg uncertainty principle

noun

Hei·​sen·​berg uncertainty principle ˈhī-zᵊn-ˌbərg- 

-ˌbərk-

: uncertainty principle

called also Heisenberg's uncertainty principle

Examples of Heisenberg uncertainty principle in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The Fourier transform has played a fundamental role in solving differential equations, expressing quantum mechanical ideas like the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and analyzing and processing signals — making things like modern mobile phones possible. —Quanta Magazine, 12 Sep. 2023

Yet a cornerstone of quantum mechanics is the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, the idea that physical quantities are inherently fuzzy—fluctuating randomly and having no definite values unless they are observed or undergo an equivalent process. —Steven Carlip, Scientific American, 1 Dec. 2015

Alice sends her data backward in time, where Bob measures it, altering it in accordance with the Heisenberg uncertainty principle. —Caroline Delbert, Popular Mechanics, 30 July 2020

The difficulty in pinning down neutrino masses lies in the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, a cornerstone of quantum physics. —Dolly Setton, Discover Magazine, 30 July 2014

Word History

Etymology

after Werner heisenberg

First Known Use

1939, in the meaning defined above