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.
- the smallest quantity of radiant energy, equal to Planck's constant times the frequency of the associated radiation.
- 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
Words nearby quantum
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
- the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory
- 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
[ kwŏn′təm ]
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
[ kwŏn′təm ]
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.