quantize

verb

quan·​tize ˈkwän-ˌtīz How to pronounce quantize (audio)
quantized; quantizing

transitive verb

1
: to subdivide (something, such as energy) into small but measurable increments
2
: to calculate or express in terms of quantum mechanics
quantization
ˌkwän-tə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce quantize (audio)
noun
quantizer
ˈkwän-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce quantize (audio)
noun

Examples of quantize in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
Simply put, just like photons are quantized light waves, phonons are quantized sound waves. — Ameya Paleja, Interesting Engineering, 30 Mar. 2026 Since the electron’s motional states are quantized, the resonator adopts one or two states during the experimental procedure, which is the potential building block of a qubit. — ArsTechnica, 3 June 2026 It could be quantized and continuous instead, which would align with the fluid explanation, but whether fluid or particle, there are three possibilities for how dark matter behaves. — Big Think, 29 Jan. 2026 The physicists also showed that the system was quantized, or only gained or lost energy in specific amounts, the committee said—demonstrating another principle macroscopically. — Connor Greene, Time, 9 Oct. 2025 See All Example Sentences for quantize

Word History

Etymology

quantum

First Known Use

1920, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of quantize was in 1920

Rhymes for quantize

See All Rhymes for quantize

Browse Nearby Words

quantization
quantize
quantong
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Cite this Entry

“Quantize.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quantize. Accessed 7 Jul. 2026.

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Medical Definition

quantize

transitive verb
quan·​tize
variants also British quantise
ˈkwänt-ˌtīz How to pronounce quantize (audio)
quantized also British quantised; quantizing also British quantising
1
: to subdivide (as energy) into small but measurable increments
2
: to calculate or express in terms of quantum mechanics
quantization noun
also British quantisation
ˌkwän-tə-ˈzā-shən How to pronounce quantize (audio)
quantizer noun
also British quantiser
ˈkwän-ˌtī-zər How to pronounce quantize (audio)
Last Updated: - Updated example sentences
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