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

Contemporary physicists apply knot theory to quantum mechanics and the winding paths that particles take through space-time. —Matthew Hutson, The New Yorker, 10 Nov. 2023

Although the exact lectures that Oppenheimer gave at the Netherlands’ Leiden University in 1928 have been lost, Yuan writes, the producing team took one of his later lectures on quantum mechanics and translated a portion into Dutch. —Jack Smart, Peoplemag, 25 Oct. 2023

The enormous strength of gravity coupled with the exotic workings of quantum mechanics can lead to massive instabilities in the structure of spacetime itself. —Popular Mechanics, 8 Sep. 2023

Some of my favorite examples are solving the three-body problem (which governs things like the interactions of three stars in space), or modeling the Earth's climate, or modeling the quantum mechanics of any atom other than hydrogen. —WIRED, 16 June 2023

Splitting-Off Worlds in Quantum Mechanics The first place where alternate universe theories have gained traction is in quantum mechanics. —Paul M. Sutter, Discover Magazine, 15 June 2023

From quantum mechanics, physicists already knew that fundamental particles fell into one of two groups. —Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 10 May 2023

Von Neumann also established the mathematical framework for quantum mechanics, described the mechanism of genetic self-replication before the discovery of DNA, and founded the field of game theory, which became central to both economics and Cold War geostrategy. —Adam Kirsch, The Atlantic, 3 Oct. 2023

At the 1927 Solvay Conference, as great thinkers debated quantum mechanics and its implications, Ehrenfest, in Labatut's formulation, felt that the world had become less solid. —Amy Brady, Scientific American, 1 Oct. 2023

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Word History

First Known Use

1922, in the meaning defined above

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