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

In fact, the 2025 International Year of Quantum Science and Technology recognizes 100 years since the initial development of quantum mechanics, and much has been accomplished over the last century. —Paul Terry, Forbes.com, 17 July 2025

One involved figuring out how to better incorporate instruction in quantum mechanics into high school and college education, rather than limiting this increasingly important topic to a handful of physics specialists. —ArsTechnica, 9 July 2025

Google says that researchers gave a computer random instructions to make a problem as complex under quantum mechanics as possible. —Kif Leswing, CNBC, 27 June 2025

But interestingly, quantum mechanics is often assumed to be invariant under time reversal. —Manon Bischoff, Scientific American, 4 June 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