QUANTUM JUMP

Pronunciation (US):

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 Dictionary entry overview: What does quantum jump mean? 

• QUANTUM JUMP (noun)
  The noun QUANTUM JUMP has 2 senses:

1. (physics) an abrupt transition of an electron or atom or molecule from one quantum state to another with the emission or absorption of a quantum

2. a sudden large increase or advance

  Familiarity information: QUANTUM JUMP used as a noun is rare.

 Dictionary entry details 

• QUANTUM JUMP (noun)

Sense 1

Meaning:

(physics) an abrupt transition of an electron or atom or molecule from one quantum state to another with the emission or absorption of a quantum

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Hypernyms ("quantum jump" is a kind of...):

jump; leap; saltation (an abrupt transition)

Domain category:

natural philosophy; physics (the science of matter and energy and their interactions)

Sense 2

Meaning:

A sudden large increase or advance

Classified under:

Nouns denoting natural events

Synonyms:

quantum jump; quantum leap

Context example:

this may not insure success but it will represent a quantum leap from last summer

Hypernyms ("quantum jump" is a kind of...):

jump; leap (a sudden and decisive increase)