quantum leapn.
/ˌkwɒntəm ˈliːp/, U.S. /ˈˌkwɑn(t)əm ˈlip/ 1. Physics. = quantum jump n. 1.
ΘΚΠ
the world > matter > physics > quantum theory > electron shell > [noun] > charge of quantized state > abrupt
quantum transition1923
quantum jump1924
quantum leap1930
1930 Jrnl. Philos. 27 429 We may refer the arbitrary character of a single ultimate physical event, such as a quantum leap, to the arbitrary character of the whole universe of which the single event is a part.
1934 Amer. Naturalist 68 327 We do not find that we can control experimentally..the detailed behaviour of single atoms or electrons, e.g., the time or direction of a quantum leap.
1990 D. Zohar Quantum Self ii. 14 Niels Bohr demonstrated that electrons jump from one energy state to another in discontinuous ‘quantum leaps’, the size of the leap depending on how many quanta of energy they have absorbed or given off.
2. A sudden, significant, or very evident (usually large) increase or advance.
ΘΚΠ
the world > action or operation > prosperity > advancement or progress > [noun] > instance or degree of > significant
jump1657
tide-wave1833
tidal wave1870
breakthrough1944
quantum jump1949
quantum leap1956
the world > relative properties > quantity > increase in quantity, amount, or degree > [noun] > rapid or sharp increase
mushroom growth1727
skyrocketing1821
wave1851
jump1883
mushrooming1916
bump-up1927
upsurgence1934
upsurge1935
explosion1953
surge1964
quantum jump1975
quantum leap1977
1956 H. L. Roberts Russia & Amer. i. 10 The enormous multiplication of power, the ‘quantum leap’ to a new order of magnitude of destruction, is something very real and comprehensible.
1962 Cedar Rapids (Iowa) Gaz. 23 Sept. 11 a/4 Dr. Jones will speak on ‘A quantum leap in education’.
1977 New Yorker 13 June 108/2 The imperial Presidency did not begin with Richard Nixon although under him abuses of the office took a quantum leap.
2002 V. Coren & C. Skelton Once more, with Feeling 3 We were confident that our friendship could withstand the challenge of watching pornography together, although it would be a quantum leap.
This entry has been updated (OED Third Edition, December 2007; most recently modified version published online March 2022).
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n.1930