plural quanta
ˈkwän-tə 
1
: large, significant
a quantum improvement
2
: of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics
quantum physics
Synonyms
Examples of quantum in a Sentence
Noun
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
Recent Examples on the Web
Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 28 May 2024
Today, technology such as semiconductors and quantum computing are considered matters of national security, a departure from the early days when the concerns stemmed mostly from access to American innovations that could be used to build traditional military equipment such as tanks and planes.
—Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for quantum 
Noun
The country’s Made in China 2025 plan proposes upgrades to China’s manufacturing industry, including for artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
—Britney Nguyen, Quartz, 28 May 2024
Today, technology such as semiconductors and quantum computing are considered matters of national security, a departure from the early days when the concerns stemmed mostly from access to American innovations that could be used to build traditional military equipment such as tanks and planes.
—Alan Rappeport, New York Times, 3 May 2024
See all Example Sentences for quantum
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
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Cite this Entry
“Quantum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum. Accessed 31 May. 2024.
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Medical Definition
quantum
noun
quan·tum
ˈkwänt-əm
plural quanta
ˈkwänt-ə
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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