quantum jump

noun

1
: an abrupt transition (as of an electron, an atom, or a molecule) from one discrete energy state to another
2

Examples of quantum jump in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
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For example, take the familiar concept of a quantum jump. Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2023 Did Tyson do a quantum jump to conclusions without a physical exam or Santa’s medical records? Bruce Y. Lee, Forbes, 25 Dec. 2021 The connection can be weak, in which case a quantum jump can also be predictable through the pause in clicks from the qubit’s side activity, in the way used by the Yale experiment. Eleni Petrakou, Scientific American, 29 Dec. 2020 The Uk can make a quantum jump to a square two squares above and one square to the left or right. Quanta Magazine, 6 Feb. 2020 The experiment confirms that during a quantum jump, the particle really does exist in two states at once. Stephen Ornes, Discover Magazine, 24 Dec. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

1926, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum jump was in 1926

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Cite this Entry

“Quantum jump.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20jump. Accessed 8 Sep. 2025.

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