quantum leap

English

Etymology

Maybe calque of Danish kvantespring.

Pronunciation

• IPA^(key): /ˈkwɒntəm liːp/

Noun

quantum leap (plural quantum leaps)

1. (physics) The discontinuous change of the state of an electron in an atom or molecule from one energy level to another.
2. An abrupt, extreme change. (metaphorical)
   • 2001, Helene Ciaravino, How to Pray: Tapping Into the Power of Divine Communication, page 33,

     In the end, perhaps the practice of prayer effects a quantum leap of its own kind. It takes us, spontaneously and unexplainably, into the realm of spiritual energy.

   • 2010, Dan Wilson, Supernatural Marriage: The Joy of Spirit-Led Intimacy, page 187,

     The addition of power from God through connectedness with the Holy Spirit results in a quantum leap in our ability to accomplish the will of God in our daily lives.

   • 2010, December 18, Tim Stevenson, Opinion: Letters, in New Scientist,

     However, if we reject any theory that falls short of this ideal, science will have to progress in quantum leaps, each with infinitesimal probability.

Synonyms

• quantum jump

Related terms

• step change
• paradigm shift

Translations

electron's state of change

• Danish: kvantespring n
• Esperanto: kvantuma salto
• Finnish: kvanttihyppy
• French: saut quantique m
• German: Quantensprung (de) m
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Italian: salto quantico m
• Norwegian: kvantesprang n
• Russian: ква́нтовый скачо́к m (kvántovyj skačók)
• Swedish: kvantsprång n

abrupt change

• Esperanto: kvantuma salto
• Finnish: hyppäys
• German: Quantensprung (de) m
• Hebrew: קפיצת מדרגה f
• (deprecated template usage) {{trans-mid}}
• Norwegian: kvantesprang n
• Spanish: salto cuántico m
• Swedish: kvantsprång n