quantum jump

quantum jump Word Origin See more synonyms for quantum jump on Thesaurus.com noun

1. Physics. an abrupt transition of a system described by quantum mechanics from one of its discrete states to another, as the fall of an electron in an atom to an orbit of lower energy.
2. any sudden and significant change, advance, or increase.

Origin of quantum jump First recorded in 1925–30 Also called quantum leap. Related Words for quantum jump advance, breakthrough, inspiration, jump, transilience, conversion, metamorphosis, transformation, upheaval, transfiguration quantum jump in Science quantum jump

1. A change from one quantum state to another, as when an electron orbiting a nucleus moves from one shell to another with the loss or gain of a quantum of energy.