quantized

[ kwon-tahyzd ]

adjective

1. (of a variable quantity) restricted to or expressed in discrete values rather than a continuous set of values:

   Instead of moving smoothly and continuously around the clock, this second hand snaps to each quantized second position on the dial.

   Contrary to the scenario offered by some score-writing software, we don’t live in a completely quantized musical world where every note lands precisely on the beat.

2. Physics. conforming to quantum-mechanical rather than classical theory, usually resulting in discrete values for observable quantities, such as energy or angular momentum:

   String theory has attracted attention because it provides a quantized description of gravity.

verb

1. the simple past tense and past participle of quantize.

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantized¹

First recorded in 1915–20; quantize ( def ) + -ed ²( def ) for the adjective senses; quantize ( def ) + -ed ¹( def ) for the verb sense

Example Sentences

"Similarly, in these nucleonic quantum dots, a single neutron can be trapped by a nanocrystal, with a size well beyond the range of the nuclear force, and display similar quantized energies."

From Science Daily

It is especially notable to this process that the emergent composite fermion particle is unique in that the electron captures six quantized magnetic flux quanta, forming the most intricate composite fermion known to date.

From Science Daily

This phenomenon, known as the quantum Hall effect, originates from the same quantized energy levels of the electrons in the circular orbits discussed above.

From Science Daily

Under this theory, spacetime itself would become quantized, which would allow scientists to understand the behavior of large-scale spacetime through a quantum lens.

From Scientific American

The song is measured and quantized, but thoroughly obsessional.

From New York Times