Origin:
From Latin quantum (noun), meaning "how much" or "quantity," derived from the adjective quantus ("how great, how much"). The term was adopted into physics in the early 20th century. 中文翻译: 源自拉丁语 quantum（名词），意为“多少”或“量”，源自形容词 quantus（“多大，多少”）。该术语于20世纪初被引入物理学领域。
Historical Shift:
Originally a general Latin term for "quantity," it gained a specialized meaning in physics (1900, coined by Max Planck) to describe the discrete units of energy in quantum theory. The modern usage extends to other disciplines (e.g., "quantum leap" for significant change). 中文翻译: 最初是拉丁语中表示“量”的通用术语，20世纪初（由马克斯·普朗克提出）在物理学中获得专门含义，描述量子理论中的离散能量单位。现代用法扩展到其他学科（如“量子跃迁”表示重大变化）。
If no record: N/A (well-documented etymology)
解释 (Definition)
中文解释:
（物理学）量子（能量、动量等物理量的离散单位）；
定量，总量；
（比喻）重大的，关键的（常见于“quantum leap”等搭配）。
English (Oxford):
(noun) The smallest discrete unit of a physical quantity, especially of energy or angular momentum, as governed by quantum mechanics.
(noun) A definite amount or quantity, especially a significant portion or amount.
(adj., attrib.) Relating to or denoting quantum mechanics or quantum theory (e.g., "quantum physics").
例句 (Example Sentences)
例句 1: "In quantum mechanics, particles can exist in multiple states simultaneously until observed."
（在量子力学中，粒子在被观测前可以同时存在于多个状态。） Context: Scientific explanation of quantum superposition.
例句 2: "The company made a quantum leap in technology with its new chip design."
（该公司通过新的芯片设计实现了技术上的重大突破。） Context: Metaphorical use to describe a dramatic advancement.
例句 3:
*"She studied the quantum of energy released during the chemical
