quantum Meaning, Definition & Usage

  1. noun a discrete amount of something that is analogous to the quantities in quantum theory
  2. noun (physics) the smallest discrete quantity of some physical property that a system can possess (according to quantum theory)

WordNet

Quan"tum noun
Etymology
L., neuter of quantus how great, how much. See Quantity,
Wordforms
plural Quanta
Definitions
  1. Quantity; amount. "Without authenticating . . . the quantum of the charges." Burke.
  2. (Math.) A definite portion of a manifoldness, limited by a mark or by a boundary. W. K. Clifford. Blackstone.

Webster 1913