[ 'kwɒntəm ]
■ noun ( plural 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 ).