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

Schrödinger's cat is the famous thought experiment designed to illustrate a core principle in quantum mechanics. —Camila Domonoske, NPR, 27 Mar. 2026

Bolloré and Bonnassies’s book is part of a burgeoning genre of apologetics that relies on relatively new scientific developments and theories, like quantum mechanics and cosmology, to make an ancient case. —Elizabeth Bruenig, The Atlantic, 26 Mar. 2026

No other theories satisfying the constraints of quantum mechanics and general relativity worked well enough to allow such explicit calculations. —Quanta Magazine, 23 Mar. 2026

Richard Feynman pointed out that quantum mechanics can be taken advantage of in several ways. —Andrew Edgecliffe-Johnson, semafor.com, 20 Mar. 2026

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