quantum mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction

Updated on: 22 Apr 2018

Definition of quantum mechanics

: 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

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quantum mechanical

adjective

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quantum mechanically

adverb

Recent Examples of quantum mechanics from the Web

Dancing droplets Instead of dissolving into the fluid bath underneath them, the droplets bounce like tennis balls on a sensuously flexible trampoline, emulating the behavior of electrons in quantum mechanics, but on a macroscopic scale.

— steven litt, cleveland.com, "Tauba Auerbach show at MOCA Cleveland melds art, physics (photos)," 15 Apr. 2018
At that minuscule size, the strange rules of quantum mechanics come into play and novel properties emerge.

— dennis overbye, New York Times, "Peter Grünberg, 78, Winner of an ‘iPod Nobel,’ Is Dead," 12 Apr. 2018
According to quantum mechanics, an atom can only absorb a photon of particular energies and colors as the electron within the atom hops from a lower energy state to a higher energy state.

— adrian cho, Science | AAAS, "Atoms and antiatoms haven’t crashed Albert Einstein’s theory of relativity—yet," 4 Apr. 2018
Or conceivably one will be able to use quantum mechanics to effectively achieve it.

— stephen wolfram, WIRED, "2001: A Space Odyssey Predicted The Future—50 Years Ago," 3 Apr. 2018
So the first attempt to apply quantum mechanics to relativity theory led to a sensational discovery in physics.

— michio kaku, Fortune, "Michio Kaku: The Quest That Hawking Pioneered," 19 Mar. 2018
According to quantum mechanics, all forces are described by tiny particles, called quanta.

— michio kaku, Fortune, "Michio Kaku: The Quest That Hawking Pioneered," 19 Mar. 2018
While there, Hawking began his studies in physics, and developed an interest in thermodynamics, relativity, and quantum mechanics.

— Fox News, "Stephen Hawking, famed physicist, dead at 76," 14 Mar. 2018
His most important work — which brought together quantum mechanics, thermodynamics, and the general theory of relativity — marked a startling extension of Einstein’s greatest discovery, relativity.

— mark feeney, BostonGlobe.com, "Stephen Hawking, ground-breaking physicist, dead at 76," 14 Mar. 2018

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quantum mechanics.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

First Known Use of quantum mechanics

1922