quan·tum (kw n t m)n. pl. quan·ta (-t ) 1. A quantity or amount. 2. A specified portion. 3. Something that can be counted or measured. 4. Physics a. The smallest amount of a physical quantity that can exist independently, especially a discrete quantity of electromagnetic radiation. b. This amount of energy regarded as a unit. adj. Relating to or based upon quantum mechanics. [Latin, from neuter of quantus, how great; see quantity.] |
quantum [ˈkwɒntəm]
n pl -ta [-tə]
1. (Physics / Atomic Physics) Physics
a. the smallest quantity of some physical property, such as energy, that a system can possess according to the quantum theory
b. a particle with such a unit of energy
2. amount or quantity, esp a specific amount
3. (often used with a negative) the least possible amount that can suffice there is not a quantum of evidence for your accusation
4. something that can be quantified or measured
5. (modifier) loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important a quantum improvement
[from Latin quantus (adj) how much]
| quantum (kwntm) 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. |
ThesaurusLegend: Synonyms Related Words Antonyms
| Noun | 1. | quantum - a discrete amount of something that is analogous to the quantities in quantum theory quantity - the concept that something has a magnitude and can be represented in mathematical expressions by a constant or a variable |
| 2. | quantum - (physics) the smallest discrete quantity of some physical property that a system can possess (according to quantum theory) quantity, measure, amount - how much there is or how many there are of something that you can quantify natural philosophy, physics - the science of matter and energy and their interactions; "his favorite subject was physics" quasiparticle - a quantum of energy (in a crystal lattice or other system) that has position and momentum and can in some respects be regarded as a particle |
Translations
quantum
quantum:
n pl <quanta> (Phys) → Quant nt; the quality of life cannot be measured as a quantum → Lebensqualität kann nicht in Zahlen ausgedrückt werden; the quantum of satisfaction → das (Aus)maß an Zufriedenheit
quantum:
quantum jump, quantum leap
n (Phys) → Quantensprung m; (fig) → Riesenschritt m
quantum mechanics
n sing → Quantenmechanik f
quantum number
n → Quantenzahl f
quantum physics
n sing → Quantenphysik f
quantum theory
n → Quantentheorie f
quantum [ˈkwɒntəm] (Phys)
1. n → quanto
2. adj (number) → quantico/a; (mechanics) → quantistico/a
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