Quantum leap

From Fresh Dictionary

Contents

English

Noun phrase

quantum leap

  1. (physics) The discontinuous change of the state of an electron in an atom or molecule from one energy level to another.
  2. Any change which is the smallest physically possible/measurable.
  3. (metaphorical) An abrupt change.

Usage note

Using the phrase metaphorically to mean a very large change is etymologically incorrect, however very common.

See also

Personal tools