quantum theory

noun

1
: a theory in physics based on the concept of the subdivision of radiant energy into finite quanta and applied to numerous processes involving transference or transformation of energy in an atomic or molecular scale
2

Examples of quantum theory in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web From quantum theory to atom smashers The brothers were both working as physicists when the Japanese bombed Pearl Harbor in 1941. Kc Cole, Smithsonian Magazine, 8 Mar. 2024 The researchers were able to show that real quantum theory could predict the measurements of any possible Bell test just as well as standard quantum theory could. Marc-Olivier Renou, Scientific American, 13 Mar. 2023 So the Copenhagen interpretation stays as close as possible to the raw mathematics that powers the predictions of quantum theory. Paul Sutter, Ars Technica, 13 Feb. 2023 The secret to fixing a fatal flaw at the heart of quantum theory may lie in three obscure textbooks from the 1980s. Charlie Wood, Quanta Magazine, 6 Apr. 2023 Before the eyes of 77 other brilliant scientists, who had all gathered in the Austrian capital to discuss the nascent field of quantum theory, Einstein insisted that quantum states had their own reality independent of how a scientist acted upon them. Stav Dimitropoulos, Popular Mechanics, 29 June 2022 This work stemmed from the mystery of how quantum theory itself works. Andrea Gawrylewski, Scientific American, 29 Aug. 2023 And the magnitude of that pressure was actually found to be consistent with the calculation from the quantum theory. Steven Strogatz, Quanta Magazine, 26 July 2023 General relativity does not contain any notion of quanta; a quantum theory of gravity is an ambition that remains unfinished today. Kenneth Chang, New York Times, 10 May 2023

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum theory.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1912, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum theory was in 1912

Dictionary Entries Near quantum theory

Cite this Entry

“Quantum theory.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20theory. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

quantum theory

noun
: a theory in physics based on the idea that radiant energy (as light) is composed of small separate packets of energy

Medical Definition

quantum theory

noun
: a theory in physics based on the concept of the subdivision of radiant energy into finite quanta and applied to numerous processes involving transference or transformation of energy in an atomic or molecular scale

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