| 释义 |
quantum leap 1. In physics, an abrupt, or step, change in the energy state of an elemental unit, such as a molecule, atom, or subatomic particle. Such particles do not smoothly transition from one energy state to another; rather, they jump or leap from a state of rest to an excited state, for example, accompanied by the absorption or emission of a particle carrying the equivalent energy. Such changes are dramatic and instantaneous, but small in magnitude. 2. In the vernacular, a change that is abrupt and large in magnitude. |