quantum

The original meaning of quantum is “a small amount.”

• I cannot find even a quantum of meaning in this paragraph!

Quantum is now applied to concepts in such fields as quantum mechanics and other sciences dealing with subatomic particles.

• Scientists use huge particle accelerators to test the principles of quantum mechanics.

A quantum jump, shift or leap is a sudden transition from one physical state to another. In everyday speech, and in sharp contrast to its original meaning, quantum leap often describes a huge change or advance.

• In the early 1990s, there was a quantum leap in the use of computer communications.