quantum electrodynamics

noun

plural in form but usually singular in construction

: quantum mechanics applied to electrical interactions (as between nuclear particles)

Example Sentences

Recent Examples on the Web

In the 1940s, physicists put the finishing touches on a theory that cast the electromagnetic force as quantum fields: quantum electrodynamics (QED). —Devin Powell, Discover Magazine, 17 Sep. 2018

Ward, who was born in Britain but spent various years living in Australia and the U.S., was a pioneer of quantum electrodynamics. —Sean Carroll, Discover Magazine, 26 Nov. 2012

The first real major step came with the discovery of quantum electrodynamics (QED), which provided a quantum theory of electrons and light. —Priyamvada Natarajan, WSJ, 9 Apr. 2021

The theory of quantum electrodynamics (QED), which forms one pillar of the Standard Model of particle physics, has made theoretical predictions that match up with experimental results to an accuracy of one part in a billion. —Quanta Magazine, 17 Sep. 2020

To predict positronium’s properties, physicists need use only the relatively simple quantum theory of electric and magnetic forces, or quantum electrodynamics (QED), perhaps the most precise and best tested theory in physics. —Adrian Cho, Science | AAAS, 25 Aug. 2020

The theory the paper advanced, called quantum electrodynamics, or QED, ranks among the great achievements of modern science. —George Johnson, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2020

The theory the paper advanced, called quantum electrodynamics, or QED, ranks among the great achievements of modern science. —George Johnson, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2020

The theory the paper advanced, called quantum electrodynamics, or QED, ranks among the great achievements of modern science. —George Johnson, New York Times, 28 Feb. 2020

See More

Word History

First Known Use

1927, in the meaning defined above