An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

A type of computer, as yet hypothetical, that uses quantum mechanical laws, such as the → superposition principle and the → quantum entanglement, to perform calculations based on the behavior of particles at the → subatomic level. A quantum computer would gain enormous processing power through the ability to be in multiple states, and to perform tasks using all possible permutations simultaneously.

See also: → quantum; → computer.