quantum mechanics

noun

plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

called also wave mechanics

quantum mechanical adjective
quantum mechanically adverb

Examples of quantum mechanics in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Different atomic elements absorb and emit light at very specific colors (the electrons zipping around the atom’s nucleus can only absorb discrete amounts of energy, a fact that gave rise to the development of quantum mechanics in the first place). Phil Plait, Scientific American, 5 July 2024 McCarthyism interrupted Bohm’s career but also freed him from conventional views of quantum mechanics. Sidney Perkowitz, JSTOR Daily, 5 June 2024 Although the advents of automobiles, spaceships, and robots were widely anticipated, few foretold the arrival of x-rays, radio, lasers, superconductors, nuclear energy, quantum mechanics, or transistors. Tyler Cowen, Foreign Affairs, 15 Feb. 2016 The universe already has a small amount of nonlocality baked into it from quantum mechanics, although this quality still hews to Einstein’s view of a local universe. Anil Ananthaswamy, Scientific American, 25 June 2024 See all Example Sentences for quantum mechanics 

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quantum mechanics.' 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

1922, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantum mechanics was in 1922

Dictionary Entries Near quantum mechanics

Cite this Entry

“Quantum mechanics.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20mechanics. Accessed 15 Jul. 2024.

Medical Definition

quantum mechanics

noun, plural in form but singular or plural in construction
: a theory of matter that is based on the concept of the possession of wave properties by elementary particles, that affords a mathematical interpretation of the structure and interactions of matter on the basis of these properties, and that incorporates within it quantum theory and the uncertainty principle

called also wave mechanics

quantum mechanical adjective
quantum mechanically adverb

More from Merriam-Webster on quantum mechanics

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