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.
Also called quantum leap.
Origin
1925-30
British Dictionary definitions for quantum leap
quantum leap
noun
1.
a sudden highly significant advance; breakthrough
Word Origin
C20: from its use in physics meaning the sudden jump of an electron, atom, etc from one energy level to another
quantum leap in Science
quantum jump 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.
Note: Informally, a “quantum leap” may be any great, sudden, or discontinuous change.
Idioms and Phrases with quantum leap
quantum leap
A dramatic advance, especially in knowledge or method, as in Establishing a central bank represents a quantum leap in this small country's development. This term originated as quantum jump in the mid-1900s in physics, where it denotes a sudden change from one energy state to another within an atom. Within a decade it was transferred to other advances, not necessarily sudden but very important ones.