quanta

Multiple Entries:
  quanta    quantum  

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
quanta/ˈkwɒntə/

plural form of quantum.

Concise Oxford English Dictionary © 2008 Oxford University Press:
quantum /ˈkwɒntəm/

▶noun (pl. quanta /-tə/)

• 1 Physics a discrete quantity of energy proportional in magnitude to a particular frequency of radiation and corresponding e.g. to a single photon or to a transition of an atom between energy states.

  ■ an analogous unit amount of something.

• 2 a total amount, especially an amount of money legally payable in damages.

  ■ a share.

– origin C16: from L., neut. of quantus (see quantity).