quantum
Americannoun
plural
quanta-
quantity or amount.
the least quantum of evidence.
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a particular amount.
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a share or portion.
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a large quantity; bulk.
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Physics.
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the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.
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the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.
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adjective
noun
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physics
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the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory
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a particle with such a unit of energy
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amount or quantity, esp a specific amount
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(often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can suffice
there is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation
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something that can be quantified or measured
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(modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important
a quantum improvement
plural
quanta-
A discrete, indivisible manifestation of a physical property, such as a force or angular momentum. Some quanta take the form of elementary particles; for example, the quantum of electromagnetic radiation is the photon, while the quanta of the weak force are the W and Z particles.
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See also quantum state
Etymology
Origin of quantum
1610–20; noun use of neuter of Latin quantus how much
Example Sentences
Examples are provided to illustrate real-world usage of words in context. Any opinions expressed do not reflect the views of Dictionary.com.
“An investment of us is a bet on the quantum industry,” de Masi said in reference to the company’s growing reach across technologies.
From Barron's
Their findings appear in a review published in Nature Photonics, which examines the rapid advances in creating, controlling, and measuring structured quantum light.
From Science Daily
Perhaps the most consequential purchase was that of British start-up Oxford Ionics, whose proprietary technology allowed IonQ to claim a record in quantum performance.
From Barron's
"I see a lot of synergies in areas such as quantum technologies, semiconductors and artificial intelligence," he added.
From Barron's
That could mean upside to 2026 free cash flow estimates or “a critical announcement on quantum” computing this year.
From Barron's
Definitions and idiom definitions from Dictionary.com Unabridged, based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023
Idioms from The American Heritage® Idioms Dictionary copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company.
