english word · 2026-07-15

decoherence

noun

Meaning

The process by which a quantum system loses its delicate state of multiple possibilities and collapses into a single, definite reality due to interaction with the environment.

Etymology

Derived from the Latin 'cohaerere' (to stick together), with the prefix 'de-' indicating a reversal or loss of that unified state.

Examples

"Think of a spinning coin as a quantum state; decoherence is the moment a gust of wind or a finger touch forces it to land on either heads or tails."

"Engineers struggle to build quantum computers because even a tiny change in temperature can cause decoherence, destroying the stored information."

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