quanta

(eg. sign, tone, literature )

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(n) a discrete amount of something that is analogous to the quantities in quantum theory
(n) (physics) the smallest discrete quantity of some physical property that a system can possess (according to quantum theory)

One was an update of Max Planck's quantum theory of radiation; light, declared Einstein, travels as both a wave and as particles called quanta, mostly because it has to.
Our food is so much quanta of energy, not in that inert word calories, but quanta.
In theory a single file of quanta battered at the mirror.

"Together, Quanta and CSAIL will establish a team and work toward a new world of self-organizing devices which make our lives more pleasant and productive," said Professor Rodney Brooks, CSAIL's director, in a statement.
on Apr 8, 2005 By: Rodney Brooks Source: InformationWeek
"Everything is made of quanta [the plural of quantum]," says Prof al-Khalili. "This looks like it is extending it to the tiniest unit of compassion."
on Jan 25, 2008 By: Jim Al-Khalili Source: BBC News