Quantum (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

noun, plural quan·ta [kwon-tuh]. /ˈkwɒn tə/.
  1. quantity or amount: the least quantum of evidence.
  2. a particular amount.
  3. a share or portion.
  4. a large quantity; bulk.
  5. 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
  1. sudden and significant: a quantum increase in productivity.
noun plural -ta (-tə)
  1. 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
  2. amount or quantity, esp a specific amount
  3. the least possible amount that can suffice
  4. something that can be quantified or measured
  5. loosely, sudden, spectacular, or vitally important
Plural quanta
    Quantum (noun) Definition, Meaning & Examples

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