Merriam-Webster Logo
SINCE 1828
Menu
dictionary thesaurus

quantum number

noun

Definition of quantum number

: any of a set of numbers that indicate the magnitude of various discrete quantities (such as electric charge) of a particle or system and that serve to define its state

Examples of quantum number in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

 Middle Sister prattled on about how an atom having six principal quantum numbers can yield several emission lines, or some such. — Chicago Tribune, chicagotribune.com, "Algren Award runner-up: "Most Best Happy Korean Bright Star" by Michelle Massie," 2 June 2018

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

First Known Use of quantum number

1902, in the meaning defined above

Keep scrolling for more

Learn More about quantum number

Statistics for quantum number

Look-up Popularity

Time Traveler for quantum number

The first known use of quantum number was in 1902

See more words from the same year

More from Merriam-Webster on quantum number

Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quantum number

Comments on quantum number

What made you want to look up quantum number? Please tell us where you read or heard it (including the quote, if possible).

Show Comments  Hide Comments 

WORD OF THE DAY

intoxicate

Listen to the pronounciation of intoxicate

to affect and impair by alcohol or a drug

Get Word of the Day daily email!

Test Your Vocabulary

Words from Greek and Latin Quiz

  • roman forum
  • Which of the following months comes from a Latin word for “ten”?
Spell It

Can you spell these 10 commonly misspelled words?

TAKE THE QUIZ
Syn City

Test Your Knowledge - and learn some interesting things along the way.

TAKE THE QUIZ
Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!

Words at Play
Ask the Editors
Word Games