quantum

quantum
[ˈkwɒntəm]
(pl. quanta -tə)
  1. (Physics)(物理)a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to the frequency of the radiation it represents
    量子
    ■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
    ■(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
    ■a share or portion
    份额,部分
    each man has only a quantum of compassion.
    每个人仅有部分的怜悯之情。
语源
  1. mid 16th cent. (in the general sense 'quantity'): from Latin, neuter of quantus (see quantity). Sense 1 dates from the early 20th cent
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