quantum leap
/ˈkwɒntəm liːp/ · quan·tum leap
noun
- The discontinuous change of the state of an electron in an atom or molecule from one energy level to another. In quantum mechanics, the electron's quantum leap from the ground state to the excited state is a fundamental process.
noun
- An abrupt, extreme change. The company's decision to downsize was a quantum leap that left many employees without jobs.
Did you know? The term 'quantum leap' has been used in popular culture to describe a sudden, dramatic change, often in a humorous or ironic way, such as in the TV show 'Quantum Leap' where the main character Sam Beckett experiences time travel and sudden changes in his life.