quantum

Thanks for the explanation, all! I suspect people will keep on using "quantum leap" to mean a significant, world-altering change, and physicists will keep arguing over whether such popular use is valid. Unfortunately, people like cliches, and more to the point, we love cliches that make us sound smart.

The problem with "quantum leap" is not that people misunderstand it, but that it's a cliche.

A common example of a quantum leap is an electron changing orbital levels around an atom. The change results in different chemical properties of the atom, so a quantum leap is small but significant. "Quantum leap" as opposed to "quantum step" can also imply that the electron has by-passed a couple of orbital levels.

I think it's a valid analogy to speak of a quantum leap in understanding. It means that someone has reached a new level, that things have gelled. One might have little new knowledge, but suddenly see how to apply their knowledge.

Alas yes. Rather like decimate, quantum and "quantum leap/change" can't really be used precisely in everyday language. Best to leave it to the scientists, and confine it to the bin of corporate weasel words elsewhere

rolig: that's exactly right. A point at the center of my slightly over-the-top review here:

Review of "Why Things Fail"

The relevant point is in the material pertaining to chapter 5, if you make it that far. The author had some point to make about how people misuse the term "quantum change", but his discussion just added to the confusion.

I think that it is what the inestimable Bryan Garner would refer to as a "skunked term" - one which carries with it an inescapable aura of confusion (when used in anything other than its narrow, specialized sense)

So wouldn't this mean that a "quantum leap" was minimal change, and not the huge change we usually want this phrase to mean?

That is the perfect definition of quantum, William. Thank you for your wonderful contribution!

quantum (n):the minimum amount a system can change; e.g., a photon is the minimum amount in electrodynamics;