An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A concept whereby properties of objects vary according to the energy with which they are probed. An atomic system in its → ground state tends to remain as it is if little energy is fed in, betraying no evidence of its internal structure. Only when it is excited into a higher state do complexities emerge. This is the essence of quantum censorship. Thus, below an energy threshold, atoms appear to be impenetrable. Above it, their components can be exposed (F. Wilczek, 2013, Nature 498, 31).

Etymology (EN): → quantum; censorship, from censor,
from M.Fr. censor and directly from L. censor “a Romain magistrate who kept the register or census of the citizens, and supervised morals,” from censere “to appraise, value, judge,” from PIE root *kens- “to speak solemnly, announce;” cf. Av. səngh- (sanh-) “to declare, explain;” Pers. soxan “word, speech;” Skt. śams- “to praise, recite.”