quantum
n. · adj.-
1 physics unit (n.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencethe smallest possible unit of energy, such as light.
the smallest discrete unit of a physical quantity, such as energy or momentum.
ExampleIn physics, a photon is a single quantum of light.
ExampleThe theory proposes that energy is not continuous but is instead emitted in discrete packets known as quanta.
UsageThe plural form is 'quanta'.
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2 total amount (n.) C1 Advanced Formala specific amount or the total quantity of something.
a required or allowed amount; the total sum or quantity of something.
ExampleThe court had to decide the quantum of damages the company should pay.
ExampleThe judge spent several hours determining the appropriate quantum of compensation for the claimant's loss of earnings.
UsageCommonly used in legal contexts regarding money or damages.
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3 a big change (adj.) B2 Upper Intermediateused to describe a change that is very sudden, big, or important.
relating to a sudden, significant, or discrete change that moves something to a higher level.
ExampleThe new invention was a quantum leap in mobile phone technology.
ExampleThe transition from steam power to electricity represented a quantum shift in industrial productivity.
Teacher's tipOften used in the fixed phrase 'quantum leap' or 'quantum shift' to mean a huge improvement.
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4 quantum physics (adj.) C1 Advanced Technical Sciencerelating to the branch of physics that studies very small particles.
pertaining to quantum mechanics or the subatomic properties of matter and energy.
ExampleScientists are working hard to build the first reliable quantum computer.
ExampleQuantum entanglement remains one of the most counterintuitive phenomena in modern theoretical physics.
From Late Latin quantum, noun use of neuter form of Latin quantus (“how much”).