quantum leap

Definition

The discontinuous change of the state of an electron in an atom or molecule from one energy level to another.

Etymology

Possibly calque of Danish kvantespring.

Example Sentences

• "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."
• "The beacon was a Prothean artifact unearthed on the Alliance colony of Eden Prime. Its resemblance to the Prothean data banks recovered on Mars provoked immediate interest from the Alliance and the Citadel Council. It proved to be a solid state data storage device, part of a galaxy-spanning comm network similar to the modern extranet. Intact Prothean 'paleo-technology' is rare; the beacon seemed to promise another quantum leap of technology, akin to the discovery of the mass effect drive and relays."
• "However, if we reject any theory that falls short of this ideal, science will have to progress in quantum leaps, each with infinitesimal probability."