quantum

¹quan·tum

noun \ˈkwän-təm\

plural quan·ta\ˈkwän-tə\

Definition of QUANTUM

1

a : quantity, amount b : portion, part c : gross quantity : bulk

2

a : any of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided b : any of the small subdivisions of a quantized physical magnitude (as magnetic moment)

Examples of QUANTUM

1. <the sum of human knowledge is now so immense that even a highly educated person can hope to absorb only a tiny quantum of it>

Origin of QUANTUM

Latin, neuter of quantus how much

First Known Use: 1567

Related to QUANTUM

Synonyms: measure, quantity, amount, volume

Related Words: coefficient, degree; body, portion; many, number

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Other Physics Terms

amplitude, centrifugal, centripetal, convection, gradient, hysteresis, kinetic, lase