quantum computer

noun

1. a computer that makes use of the quantum states of electrons or other particles to store and process information as quantum bits.

quantum computer

noun

1. a type of computer which uses the ability of quantum systems to be in many different states at once, thus allowing it to perform many different computations simultaneously

quantum computer

1. A computer that exploits the quantum mechanical properties of superposition in order to allow a single operation to act on a large number of pieces of data. In a quantum computer, the data to be manipulated, represented in quantum bits, exists in all possible states simultaneously, in superposition. This allows a single operation to operate over all of these states at once, in contrast with a classical computer, which must carry out an operation for each state separately. Because of the difficulty of creating environments small enough for quantum effects to emerge but sufficiently isolated to prevent interaction with outside influences such as heat, only extremely rudimentary quantum computers currently exist, though algorithms for possible future devices are being developed.

Other Words From

• quantum computing noun

Word History and Origins

Origin of quantum computer¹

First recorded in 1980–85

Example Sentences

Thirty years ago, Edwards’ wife, Karen, was working as a customer service representative at Quantum Computer Services, AOL’s predecessor company, when she overheard then-chief executive Steve Case say he needed a voiceover actor for a new project.

From Los Angeles Times

Oxford Ionics has said its chip can be mass-produced and means the world's first useful quantum computer could be built in three years time.

From BBC

Oxford Ionics said only one technology - trapped ions - has demonstrated the performance needed to build a useful quantum computer.

From BBC

The amount of time that a quantum computer can work on a problem is thus so far limited.

From Science Daily

Additionally, for a quantum computer to be able to tackle complex problems, quantum researchers need to find a way to control the quantum states.

From Science Daily