quantum
/ˈkwɒntəm/noun
(pl. quanta )
1
- Physics【物理】a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents量子。
1.1
- an analogous discrete amount of any other physical quantity, such as momentum or electric charge（动量或电荷等物理值的）量子。
1.2
- Physiology the unit quantity of acetylcholine released at a neuromuscular junction by a single synaptic vesicle, contributing a discrete small voltage to the measured end-plate potential【生理】（乙酰胆碱释放的）单元量。
2
- a required or allowed amount, especially an amount of money legally payable in damages（尤指偿付损失的）定额, 定量。
2.1
- a share or portion份额, 部分：
each man has only a quantum of compassion.
每个人仅有一点怜悯之情。
词源
mid 16th cent. （in the general sense 'quantity'）： from Latin， neuter of quantus （see QUANTITY）. Sense 1 dates from the early 20th cent.