quantum leap

plural quantum leaps

1. quantum mechanicsThe discontinuous change of the state of an electron in an atom or molecule from one energy level to another.
2. figurativelyAn abrupt, extreme change.

   However, if we reject any theory that falls short of this ideal, science will have to progress in quantum leaps, each with infinitesimal probability.

   2010 December 18, Tim Stevenson, “Opinion: Letters”, in New Scientist

   2 more examples

   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.

   2001, Helene Ciaravino, How to Pray: Tapping Into the Power of Divine Communication, page 33

   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.

   2008, BioWare, Mass Effect, Redwood City: Electronic Arts, →ISBN, →OCLC, PC, scene: Protheans: Beacon Codex entry

   Synonyms: quantum jump

3. figurativelyinformalnonstandardA large, massive, significant change.

   A GIANT LEAP FORWARD Humanity is about to face a quantum leap forward. […]

   1995, Eva Shaw, Eve of Destruction: Prophecies, Theories, and Preparations for the End of the World

   2 more examples

   I was at the elections in Namibia. We had problems there, … But I would say that this is a quantum leap forward when you think of the Mengistu government and the horrible repression, the famine, the tyranny that existed under him, and you see this movement toward freedom and democracy over there. Although there, admittedly, have been problems, this is a giant step in the right direction.

   1993, Mr Burton, before the United States House Committee on Foreign Affairs, Subcommittee on Africa, Looking Back and Reaching Forward: Prospects for Democracy in Ethiopia : Hearing Before the Subcommittee on Africa of the Committee on Foreign Affairs, House of Representatives, One Hundred Second Congress, Second Session, September 17, 1992, page 56

   The addition of power from God through connectedness with the Holy Spirit results in a quantum leap in our ability to accomplish the will of God in our daily lives.

   2010, Dan Wilson, Supernatural Marriage: The Joy of Spirit-Led Intimacy, page 187

present singular third person quantum leaps · participle present quantum leaping · participle past quantum leaped · past quantum leaped · participle past quantum leapt · past quantum leapt

1. slangesoteric attraction theoryTo manifest, to forward the reality of.