quantum

1 of 2

noun

quan·​tum ˈkwän-təm How to pronounce quantum (audio)
plural quanta ˈkwän-tə How to pronounce quantum (audio)
1
b
c
: gross quantity : bulk
2
a
: any of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided
b
: any of the small subdivisions of a quantized physical magnitude (such as magnetic moment)

quantum

2 of 2

adjective

1
: large, significant
a quantum improvement
2
: of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics
quantum physics

Examples of quantum in a Sentence

Noun the sum of human knowledge is now so immense that even a highly educated person can hope to absorb only a tiny quantum of it
Recent Examples on the Web
Noun
The rest of her guests arrived one by one: an authority on quantum computing; a former OpenAI researcher; the head of an institute that forecasts the future. Andrew Marantz, The New Yorker, 11 Mar. 2024 And how might quantum physics redefine it in the future? Quanta Magazine, 29 Feb. 2024 But current research in quantum physics finds that no such separation is possible. The New Yorker, 4 Mar. 2024 In part, this is to combat one of the biggest current fears around quantum computing: that countries and threat actors are gathering and hoarding encrypted data today with the plan to unlock its secrets if quantum technologies evolve. Matt Burgess, WIRED, 21 Feb. 2024 Plus, the country’s private quantum sector is relatively meager. IEEE Spectrum, 14 Feb. 2024 In the ocean, Bustillos practices a variety of yoga techniques: vinyasa, hatha, meditative, quantum and therapeutic, which are different styles that can include the same postures but benefit different things, from a strong body to a peaceful mind. By Daniela Rios, Miami Herald, 30 Jan. 2024 Last fall, Signal announced an update to protect users from the future risk that tomorrow’s quantum computing will likely break today’s encryption. Zak Doffman, Forbes, 21 Feb. 2024 How thin the middle layer of a quantum well can be and still achieve quantum confinement varies between materials. IEEE Spectrum, 18 Jan. 2024
Adjective
More important than anything is creating awareness of upcoming changes and fostering a mindset shift among the leadership team in terms of the life cycle of quantum projects. Expert Panel®, Forbes, 1 Mar. 2024 The physical qubits that make up each virtual qubit are like those oblivious quantum spies. Ben Brubaker, Quanta Magazine, 23 Feb. 2024 This approach leverages two optical degrees of freedom—time state and phase state—to encode information in quantum states. IEEE Spectrum, 25 Jan. 2024 Her writing focuses on quantum physics, quantum technology, deep technology, social media, and the diversity of people in these fields, particularly women and people from minority ethnic and racial groups. Kenna Hughes-Castleberry, Ars Technica, 14 Dec. 2023 Anderson wondered what surroundings could contain a quantum escape artist. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 26 Feb. 2024 This type of imaging inverse problem is known as ghost imaging or single-pixel imaging, which was considered to be a quantum effect, was independently explored as dual photography, and can be accelerated by compressive sensing. Dan Goodin, Ars Technica, 23 Jan. 2024 In addition to quantum RF sensors, Rydberg atoms play important roles in other areas of science. Paul Smith-Goodson, Forbes, 20 Feb. 2024 Gu takes quantum courses at Stanford and has been known to cue up podcasts devoted to the subject. Eddie Pells, USA TODAY, 27 Jan. 2024

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

Etymology

Noun

Latin, neuter of quantus how much

First Known Use

Noun

1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a

Adjective

1942, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum was in 1567

Dictionary Entries Near quantum

Cite this Entry

“Quantum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

quantum

1 of 2 noun
quan·​tum ˈkwänt-əm How to pronounce quantum (audio)
plural quanta ˈkwänt-ə How to pronounce quantum (audio)
: the smallest amount of many forms of energy (as light)

quantum

2 of 2 adjective
: of or relating to the principles of quantum theory
quantum physics

Medical Definition

quantum

noun
quan·​tum ˈkwänt-əm How to pronounce quantum (audio)
plural quanta ˈkwänt-ə How to pronounce quantum (audio)
1
: one of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided
a molecule of rhodopsin in the human eye can cause a response to a single quantum of light
2
: one of the small molecular packets of a neurotransmitter (as acetylcholine) released into the synaptic cleft in the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse

More from Merriam-Webster on quantum

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