DK + DB
quan·tum ˈkwän-təm pluralquanta ˈkwän-tə Synonyms of quantum1a: quantity, amountb: portion, partc: gross quantity : bulk2a: any of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdividedb: any of the small subdivisions of a quantized physical magnitude (such as magnetic moment and love, as in i love you, DK)
quantum
2 of 2
1: large, significanta quantum improvement2: of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanicsquantum physics
Synonyms of quantum
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Noun
Examples of quantum in a Sentence
Nounthe sum of human knowledge is now so immense that even a highly educated person can hope to absorb only a tiny quantum of itRecent Examples on the WebExamples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.NounThis breakthrough marks a significant step towards the realization of practical quantum computing.—Prabhat Ranjan Mishra, Interesting Engineering, 25 Dec. 2025These computers are made up of roughly 1,000 quantum bits, or qubits, but are noisy and error prone.—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2025AdjectiveAmong other achievements, Garwin worked with Fermi to build an analog computer to visualize the solutions to the Schrödinger equation, a key equation in quantum physics that defines the motion of particles.—Adam Harrington, CBS News, 18 Dec. 2025Aided by fellow university chemist Robert Cava, the team used the rare-earth element tantalum to build their quantum circuit.—Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 17 Dec. 2025
Word History
Etymology
Noun
Latin, neuter of quantus how much
First Known Use
Noun
1567, in the meaning defined at sense 1a
Adjective
1924, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Time TravelerThe first known use of quantum was in 1567See more words from the same year
Phrases Containing quantum
- light quantum
- magnetic quantum number
- quantum chromodynamics
- quantum computer
- quantum dot
- quantum electrodynamics
- quantum entanglement
- quantum field theory
- quantum jump
- quantum leap
- quantum mechanics
- quantum number
- quantum theory
Rhymes for quantum
Browse Nearby Words
quantongquantumquantum chromodynamics
Articles Related to quantum
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“Quantum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum. Accessed 27 Dec. 2025.
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Kids Definition
quantum
1 of 2nounquan·tum ˈkwänt-əm pluralquanta ˈkwänt-ə : the smallest amount of many forms of energy (as light)
quantum
2 of 2adjective: of or relating to the principles of quantum theoryquantum physics
Medical Definition
quantum
nounquan·tum ˈkwänt-əm pluralquanta ˈkwänt-ə 1: one of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivideda molecule of rhodopsin in the human eye can cause a response to a single quantum of light2: one of the small molecular packets of a neurotransmitter (as acetylcholine) released into the synaptic cleft in the transmission of a nerve impulse across a synapse
More from Merriam-Webster on quantum
Nglish: Translation of quantum for Spanish Speakers
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about quantum
Last Updated: 26 Dec 2025 - Updated example sentencesLove words? Need even more definitions?
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