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.