quantum entanglement

noun

: a property of a set of subatomic particles whereby a quantum characteristic (such as spin or momentum) of one particle is directly and immediately correlated with the equivalent characteristic of the others regardless of separation in space
In quantum entanglement, subatomic particles maintain a relationship—for instance, vibrating when the other vibrates—even when separated and even if they are at great distances from each other.Sean Hamill
Quantum entanglement occurs when two systems share a common quantum mechanical state. Such systems also share a common fate, even if they become physically quite separated. The results of a measurement performed on one will determine the results of future measurements on the second.Claudia Tesche

Examples of quantum entanglement in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Instead, electrons may exist in a dense state of quantum entanglement with one another, forming a kind of fluid. IEEE Spectrum, 4 Jan. 2024 However, creating electronics that combine topological protection with quantum entanglement has proven difficult, in part because these phenomena often each require extreme conditions, such as extreme cold, ultrahigh vacuum and powerful magnetic fields. IEEE Spectrum, 23 Feb. 2022 From Google’s claims of supremacy, to the 2022 Nobel Prize in Physics being awarded for furthering our understanding of quantum entanglement, to the ever-increasing number of new quantum bit (or qubit) development and management techniques. Jackie Appel, Popular Mechanics, 10 Aug. 2023 The connection between entanglement entropy in the CFT and the geometry of spacetime in the AdS led to another important result—the notion that spacetime on the AdS side emerges from quantum entanglement on the CFT side, not just in black holes but throughout the universe. Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 1 Mar. 2023 In quantum entanglement, each phonon is in a superposition of reflected and transmitted, but the two phonons are locked together. Andrew N. Cleland, The Conversation, 5 July 2023 The limits of quantum entanglement Orzel pointed out, though, there is a significant limit to what can be transmitted this way. Robert Lea, Popular Mechanics, 28 June 2023 Their shenanigans also begin to link the particles through quantum entanglement. George Musser, Quanta Magazine, 6 June 2023 Getting real about realism Albert Einstein was famously uneasy with some of the consequences of quantum entanglement. John Timmer, Ars Technica, 10 May 2023

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

Word History

First Known Use

1991, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum entanglement was in 1991

Dictionary Entries Near quantum entanglement

Cite this Entry

“Quantum entanglement.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20entanglement. Accessed 28 Mar. 2024.

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