| the fundamental unit of information in a quantum computer, capable of existing in two states, 0 or 1, simultaneously or at a different time. |
| quantum bit n. The smallest unit of information in a computer designed to manipulate or store information through effects predicted by quantum physics. Unlike bits in classical systems, a quantum bit has more than two possible states: a state labeled 0, a state labeled 1, and a combination of the two states that obeys the superposition principle. |
| quantum bit
The smallest unit of information in a quantum computer. Unlike bits in classical systems, which are in one of two possible states labelled 1 and 0, a quantum bit exists in a superposition of these two states, settling on one or the other only when a measurement of the state is made. Also called qubit. |