English Words: Q
2,880 words · Page 20 of 58
A hypothetical sorting algorithm which generates a random permutation of its input (like in bogosort) using a quantum source of entropy, checks if the list is sorted, and, if it is not, destroys the universe. Assuming that the many-worlds interpretation of quantum mechanics is true, this algorithm will result in at least one surviving universe where the input was successfully sorted in O(n) time (thus making it faster than quicksort).
A laser that operates by analogy with an electronic waterfall, with electrons cascading down a series of small steps emitting a photon at each step.
A computer that exploits quantum mechanical phenomena to transcend classical time complexity limitations.
The use of quantum mechanical phenomena to transcend classical time complexity limitations in computing.
The science of exploiting quantum mechanical properties to perform cryptographic tasks.
A theory of quantum fields; the result of applying second quantization to Classical Relativistic Field Theory.
A model of spacetime where points are represented by nodes on a graph, connected by links that can be on or off, indicating whether the two points are directly connected as if next to each other in spacetime.
An effect marked by the quantization of the Hall resistance, observed in two-dimensional electron systems subjected to low temperatures and strong magnetic field.
Information science adapted to deal with information held and/or handled by quantum systems, i.e., in which information is measured in qubits instead of classical bits.
The discontinuous change of the state of an electron in an atom or molecule from one energy level to another.
An inference that the defendant has promised to pay the plaintiff for the plaintiff's work or labor as much as he should deserve.
A thought experiment in which it is proposed that it is impossible to commit suicide, as at each attempt the universe will split into multiple realities, in at least one of which the person will still be alive.
The potential ability of quantum computers to solve problems that are intractable for classical computers.
A count in an action to recover from the defendant, for goods sold, as much as they were worth.
The phenomena of quantum mechanics that cannot be explained in terms of the experiences of everyday life.
A feature of quantum-mechanical systems allowing a particle's time evolution to be slowed down by measuring it frequently enough with respect to some chosen measurement setting.
To make quantum-resistant ("unable to be easily deciphered by a quantum computer").
Of a cryptographic algorithm: unable to be easily deciphered by a quantum computer.
Synonym of quantum-resistant (“unable to be easily deciphered by a quantum computer”).
In a quantum manner; in terms of quantum theory; according to the laws of quantum mechanics.
A person who is one-quarter East or Southeast Asian or Pacific Islander by descent; the offspring of a hapa parent and a white parent.
A group of people who choose to quarantine together during a pandemic to limit exposure and maintain social interaction and support.
Spelling & Dictionary Insight
The English alphabetical index for the letter Q contains 2,880 headwords drawn from our Wiktionary-derived dictionary table. At 50 entries per page the browse splits into 58 pages, and you are currently viewing page 20. Every row above is a dictionary-backed entry with a canonical slug, and each links through to a full definition page with pronunciation, senses, etymology, and related-word data where available.
On this page 50 of 50 entries carry a part-of-speech tag and 50 carry at least one stored definition. Coverage varies across letters because Wiktionary volunteers build entries at different speeds for different parts of the alphabet, letters with common starting sounds (S, C, T, P) usually have the densest coverage, while less frequent starters (X, Q, Z) tend to have shorter but more specialised lists. PlainSpell surfaces whatever data is present and links back to the source when a definition is not yet recorded.
For readers using this index as a spelling reference, the guarantee is that every form you see on the list is a documented English headword, not a guess, not a derived inflection lacking a lemma row. If a word you expected to find is absent from the "Q" list, it usually means the form exists only as an inflection of another lemma (e.g. a past participle stored under the infinitive) or the entry has not yet been imported from Wiktionary. Use the search bar or the misspelling lookup to resolve these cases.