Quantum Meaning
/ˈkwɒntəm/Definition, CEFR level B2, pronunciation, examples, and quiz.
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Definition
nounThe total amount of something; quantity.
nounThe total amount of something; quantity., The amount of compensation awarded to a successful party in a lawsuit.
Sentence Examples
Quantum physics is too difficult for a mere mortal to understand.
Anyone who is not shocked by quantum theory has not understood it.
CEFR Practice Quiz
The smallest discrete amount of energy is called a ____ in modern physics.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The discovery of ____ mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the behavior of subatomic particles.
Word Origin & History
From Late Latin quantum, noun use of neuter form of Latin quantus (“how much”).
Literary Quotations & Historical Citations
"The reader will perhaps be curious to know the quantum of this present, but we cannot satisfy his curiosity."
— 1749, Henry Fielding, Tom Jones, Folio Society, published 1973, page 416:
"A certain quantum of power must always exist in the community, in some hands, and under some appellation."
— 1790, Edmund Burke, Reflections on the Revolution in France, Oxford, published 2009, page 142:
"Otherwise I will have given the lie to my maxim that whether you work eight or twenty hours, the quantum of work that gets done on a normal day is the same."
— 1997, Kiran Nagarkar, Cuckold, HarperCollins, published 2013, page 375:
"The Congress's core ministerial panel on Friday gave its green signal to raising motor fuel prices but the quantum of increase emerged as a hitch."
— 2008 May 21, The Times of India:
"Each man has only a quantum of compassion, he argued, and mine is used up for the day."
— 1979, John Le Carré, Smiley's People, Folio Society, published 2010, page 96:
Explore More B2 Vocabulary Words
CEFR Practice Quiz
The smallest discrete amount of energy is called a ____ in modern physics.
CEFR Practice Quiz (Alternate)
The discovery of ____ mechanics revolutionized our understanding of the behavior of subatomic particles.