quantum mechanics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

called also wave mechanics

quantum mechanical adjective

quantum mechanically adverb

Examples of quantum mechanics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Quantum computers apply principles of quantum mechanics to process information in fundamentally different ways from classical computers. —Robert Kramer, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

One challenge with interpreting LHC data is interference, a core implication of quantum mechanics. —Matt Von Hippel, ArsTechnica, 23 June 2025

That’s true in everyday, classical situations, but not in quantum mechanics. —Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 27 May 2025

That growth in quantum sensing —the application of quantum mechanics principles to measure magnetic fields, gravity and other data points — is expected to come from a variety of sectors. —Alex Knapp, Forbes, 21 Mar. 2025

Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

Rhymes for quantum mechanics

• biomechanics
• hispanics
• organics
• volcanics
• panics

Medical Definition

quantum mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

called also wave mechanics

quantum mechanical adjective

quantum mechanically adverb