quantize verb trans. ['kwɒntʌɪz] Also quantise. E20.
[from QUANTUM + -IZE.]
1. Orig. & chiefly Physics. Apply quantum theory to, form into quanta; esp. restrict the number of possible values of (a quantity) or states of (a system) so that certain variables can assume only certain discrete magnitudes. Freq. as quantized ppl adjective. E20.
■ F. Smyth The position was then quantized, that is, expressed as a whole number of unit distances.

2. Electronics. Approximate (a continuously varying signal) by one whose amplitude is restricted to a prescribed set of values. M20.

■ quanti'zation noun E20.

■ quantizer noun (Electronics) a device that quantizes a signal applied to it M20.

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