quantum
|quan/tum|
B2
🇺🇸
/ˈkwɑːn.təm/
🇬🇧
/ˈkwɒn.təm/
discrete quantity
Etymology
Etymology Information
'quantum' originates from Latin, specifically the word 'quantus,' where 'quant-' meant 'how much.'
Historical Evolution
'quantus' transformed into the Medieval Latin word 'quantum,' and eventually became the modern English word 'quantum.'
Meaning Changes
Initially, it meant 'how much' or 'amount,' but over time it evolved into its current meaning of 'a discrete quantity of energy.'
Meanings by Part of Speech
Noun 1
a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents.
The energy of a photon is a quantum of electromagnetic radiation.
Synonyms
Idioms
Last updated: 2025/01/11 11:45