quantum

[kwon-tuhm]

noun

plural

quanta 

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

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

The university is turning the old shopping center into a nearly 700,000-square-foot research center that will focus on immunology, quantum science and engineering.

From Los Angeles Times

He was also a travel enthusiast and took an interest in “complex” topics including the cosmos and quantum physics.

From Los Angeles Times

It’s a luxury, a quantum leap, one that can save your imagination from a propensity to meek fatalism or received social patterns.

From Los Angeles Times

Speaking at a press conference on Monday, the former Dutch prime minister said the 5% spending commitment was "a quantum leap that is ambitious, historic and fundamental to securing our future".

From BBC

The former UC Irvine medical student, who was once homeless after switching his major from medicine to art, said he blends fine art, quantum metaphysics and philosophy into his work.

From Los Angeles Times