Quantum

quantum \ˈkwän-təm\ (plural quanta \ˈkwän-tə\) noun: 1 a. quantity, amount, b. portion, part, c. gross quantity; bulk, 2. any of the very small increments or parcels into which many forms of energy are subdivided
adjective: 1. large, significant {a quantum improvement}, 2. of, relating to, or employing the principles of quantum mechanics

Etymology: Latin, neuter of quantus how much

Quantum pulls such heavy weight in the language of physics that it bears stressing its quotidian denotations.