First Known Use: 1567
Dictionary
1quantum
noun quan·tum \ˈkwän-təm\
physics : the smallest amount of many forms of energy (such as light)
plural quan·ta \ˈkwän-tə\
Full Definition of QUANTUM
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)
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Origin of QUANTUM
Latin, neuter of quantus how much
Other Physics Terms
2quantum
adjective
physics : of, relating to, or using the principles of quantum theory
Full Definition of QUANTUM
1
: large, significant <a quantum improvement>
2
: of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics <quantum physics>
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First Known Use of QUANTUM
1942
Other Physics Terms
Medical Dictionary
quantum
noun quan·tum \ˈkwänt-əm\
plural quan·ta \ˈkwänt-ə\
Medical Definition of QUANTUM
1
: one of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided <a molecule of rhodopsin in the human eye can cause a response to a single quantum of light>
2
: 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
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