quantum
quan.tum \'kwa:nt-*m\ \-*\ n or quan.ta [L, neut. of quantus how much] pl 1a: QUANTITY, AMOUNT 1b: PORTION, PART 1c: gross quantity : BULK 2a: one of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of en ergy are subdivided 2b: one of the small subdivisions (as velocity) of a physical magnitude