This is the 1893rd most frequent Dutch word.
quantum
A discrete quantity of energy or matter.
Here, 'quantum' refers to a discrete quantity, commonly used in physics to describe packets of energy.
Een quantum licht wordt uitgezonden door de laser.
A quantum of light is emitted by the laser.
In this sentence, 'quantum' is part of the compound term 'quantum mechanics,' referring to the field of physics studying phenomena at atomic and subatomic levels.
De wetenschap doet vooruitgang in het begrijpen van quantummechanica.
Science is making progress in understanding quantum mechanics.
Here, 'quantum' is used figuratively to mean a limited or small amount of something, in this case, patience.