quantum

[ kwon-tuh m ]
/ ˈkwɒn təm /

noun, plural quan·ta [kwon-tuh] /ˈkwɒn tə/.

quantity or amount: the least quantum of evidence.
a particular amount.
a share or portion.
a large quantity; bulk.
Physics.
  1. the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.
  2. the fundamental unit of a quantized physical magnitude, as angular momentum.

adjective

sudden and significant: a quantum increase in productivity.

Origin of quantum

1610–20; noun use of neuter of Latin quantus how much

Definition for quantum (2 of 2)

quantum sufficit
[ kwahn-too m soof-i-kit; English kwon-tuh m suhf-uh-sit ]
/ ˈkwɑn tʊm ˈsuf ɪ kɪt; English ˈkwɒn təm ˈsʌf ə sɪt /

adverb Latin.

as much as suffices; enough.

Example sentences from the Web for quantum

British Dictionary definitions for quantum

quantum
/ (ˈkwɒntəm) /

noun plural -ta (-tə)

physics
  1. the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory
  2. a particle with such a unit of energy
amount or quantity, esp a specific amount
(often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can suffice there is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation
something that can be quantified or measured
(modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important a quantum improvement

Word Origin for quantum

C17: from Latin quantus (adj) how much

Medical definitions for quantum

quantum
[ kwŏntəm ]

n. pl. quan•ta (-tə)

The smallest amount of a physical quantity that can exist independently, especially a discrete quantity of electromagnetic radiation.
This amount of energy regarded as a unit.
A quantity or an amount.

Scientific definitions for quantum

quantum
[ kwŏntəm ]

Plural quanta

A discrete, indivisible manifestation of a physical property, such as a force or angular momentum. Some quanta take the form of elementary particles; for example, the quantum of electromagnetic radiation is the photon, while the quanta of the weak force are the W and Z particles. See also quantum state.