C1adjectivescienceacademic
US/ˈkwɑːn.təm/
UK/ˈkwɒn.təm/
relating to the very small amounts of energy that atoms and particles give off or take in
In context
Quantum physics explains how particles behave at the smallest scales.
The company is investing heavily in quantum computing research.
Her discovery was described as a quantum leap in cancer treatment.
Words that go with quantum
adjective + noun
- quantum physicsHe studied quantum physics at university.
- quantum mechanicsQuantum mechanics is hard to explain in simple words.
- quantum computingQuantum computing could change how we solve problems.
- quantum theoryQuantum theory changed science in the twentieth century.
- quantum leapThe new design is a quantum leap forward.
- quantum computerA quantum computer works very differently from a laptop.
Common mistakes
Incorrect:
a quantum leap means a small stepCorrect: a quantum leap means a huge, sudden advance