quantum

[ kwon-tuhm ]

noun

, plural quan·ta [kwon, -t, uh].

1. quantity or amount:

   the least quantum of evidence.

2. a particular amount.
3. a share or portion.
4. a large quantity; bulk.
5. Physics.
   1. the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.
   2. the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.

adjective

1. sudden and significant:

   a quantum increase in productivity.

quantum

/ ˈkwɒntəm /

noun

1. physics
   1. the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory
   2. a particle with such a unit of energy
2. amount or quantity, esp a specific amount
3. often used with a negative the least possible amount that can suffice

   there is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation

4. something that can be quantified or measured
5. modifier loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important

   a quantum improvement

quantum

/ kwŏn′təm /

, Plural quanta

1. 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.
2. See also quantum state

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum¹

1610–20; noun use of neuter of Latin quantus how much

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum¹

C17: from Latin quantus (adj) how much

Example Sentences

Using an unconventional approach inspired by quantum physics, Rice engineer Gururaj Naik and his team designed a thermal emitter that can deliver high efficiencies within practical design parameters.

From Science Daily

"It seems almost impossible to have a consistent theory of gravity combined with quantum mechanics that does not have particles like the axion," Safdi said.

From Science Daily

“It’s a very clever idea and it looks like they did a nice job in implementing it,” says Aaron Chou, a quantum physicist at the Fermi National Accelerator Laboratory.

From Science Magazine

However, the quantum properties of the fuel would be adjusted for peak efficiency using an existing process known as spin polarization.

From Science Daily

A new theory, that explains how light and matter interact at the quantum level has enabled researchers to define for the first time the precise shape of a single photon.

From Science Daily