qubit

noun

qu·bit ˈkyü-bət

plural qubits

: a unit of computing information that is represented by a state of an atom or elementary particle (such as the spin) and can store multiple values at once due to the principles of quantum mechanics

And the most basic truth of quantum mechanics dictates that you cannot measure a qubit without destroying the superposition. The register that said 1 and 0 will randomly collapse into 1 or 0.—

George Johnson

compare bit entry 3 sense 1

Examples of qubit in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web The smallest unit of a quantum computer is called the quantum bit, or qubit. —

Discover Magazine, 21 June 2024 So researchers in England have developed ways to eliminate the isotopes that disrupt the delicate qubit states in the silicon. —

IEEE Spectrum, 15 June 2024 In the first, the researchers formed a logical qubit with seven information-holding hardware qubits and three ancillary qubits for error detection and correction. —

John Timmer, Ars Technica, 3 Apr. 2024 By hovering between the two states, qubits enable quantum computers to perform certain tasks much faster than classical computers. —

Kelsey Houston-Edwards, Scientific American, 1 Feb. 2024 See all Example Sentences for qubit

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

Word History

Etymology

qu- (in quantum entry 2) + bit entry 4, probably formed with punning allusion to cubit

Note: According to the American physicist Benjamin Schumacher, in the acknowledgements to a paper ("Quantum coding," Physical Review A, vol. 51, issue 4 [April, 1995], p. 2747), "The term 'qubit' was coined in jest during one of the author's many intriguing and valuable conversations with W. K. Wootters, and became the initial impetus for this work."

First Known Use

1994, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler

The first known use of qubit was in 1994

See more words from the same year