quantum leap
noun
plural quantum leaps
: an abrupt change, sudden increase, or dramatic advance
Note: Quantum leap is rarely used in scientific contexts, but it originated as a synonym of quantum jump, which describes an abrupt transition (as of an electron, an atom, or a molecule) from one discrete energy state to another.
Examples of quantum leap in a Sentence
Prices have taken a quantum leap upward.
The new drug is a quantum leap in the fight against cancer.
Recent Examples on the Web
An elegant player, equal parts skill and force, who has made a quantum leap in his career over the past few years.
—
Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
In quantum mechanics, quantum leaps, called quantization, mean particles can transition between discrete energy states without passing through intermediate positions.
—Gregory Crawford, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Against all logic and physics, the Royals made a quantum leap from 106 losses in 2023 to 86 wins last season.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
Huang’s announcement represents not incremental progress but a quantum leap in computational capability that reshapes what’s possible.
—Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum leap
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Adam Crafton, New York Times, 19 Apr. 2025
In quantum mechanics, quantum leaps, called quantization, mean particles can transition between discrete energy states without passing through intermediate positions.
—Gregory Crawford, Forbes.com, 10 Apr. 2025
Against all logic and physics, the Royals made a quantum leap from 106 losses in 2023 to 86 wins last season.
—Vahe Gregorian, Kansas City Star, 14 Feb. 2025
Huang’s announcement represents not incremental progress but a quantum leap in computational capability that reshapes what’s possible.
—Luis E. Romero, Forbes, 18 Mar. 2025
See All Example Sentences for quantum leap
Cite this Entry
“Quantum leap.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantum%20leap. Accessed 29 Apr. 2025.
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