What does "ket" mean?
A column vector, in Hilbert space, especially as representing the state of a quantum mechanical system; the complex conjugate transpose of a bra (a row vector); a ket vector. Symbolised by |...〉.
Ket
/kɛt/ name, noun, slang
name, noun, slang ·Moderate ·College level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: A column vector, in Hilbert space, especially as representing the state of a quantum mechanical system; the complex conjugate transpose of a bra (a row vector); a ket vector. Symbolised by |...〉.
- Grammar: ket is listed as name, noun, slang.
- Nearest alternatives: english, language.
- Useful contrasts: bra.
- Usage evidence: A particular ket, say #124;A#92;rangle, might be represented by a particular column vector. Its corresponding bra, #92;langleA#124;, would then be represented by the row vector which is the transpose conjugate of that column vector.
How to use "ket"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "ket" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "ket" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "ket" as the right word for your sentence.
If your draft is formal, technical, persuasive, or sensitive, compare "ket" with a nearby alternative so the final choice matches both meaning and reader expectation.
Compare nearby meanings
- Use synonyms when you need a softer, stronger, simpler, or more specific word.
- Use antonyms to check the boundary of the meaning and avoid accidental contrast.
- Use the example sentence to confirm the word behaves naturally in context.
- Keep the original wording when a replacement adds complexity without improving precision.
Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "ket" is acting as name, noun, slang in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "english" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
Use the example sentence below as an evidence check, then read your own sentence out loud to catch tone or rhythm problems.
Review note: Definition pages are checked for source coverage, sentence evidence, synonym support, and editorial insight before they are treated as approval-ready pages. If the evidence is too thin, the page remains available to users but is kept out of the approval-facing indexed inventory.
Final meaning check
Before publishing a sentence with "ket", ask whether the word helps the reader understand the idea faster. A precise word should reduce confusion, not simply make the sentence look more polished.
When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 A column vector, in Hilbert space, especially as representing the state of a quantum mechanical system; the complex conjugate transpose of a bra (a row vector); a ket vector. Symbolised by |...〉.
"A particular ket, say #124;A#92;rangle, might be represented by a particular column vector. Its corresponding bra, #92;langleA#124;, would then be represented by the row vector which is the transpose conjugate of that column vector."
- 2 Carrion; any filth. Northern-England, countable, uncountable
- 3 ketamine colloquial, uncountable
- 4 matted wool Scotland, uncountable
- 5 A member of a people of Krasnoyarsk Krai in Central Siberia, Russia.
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A native or inhabitant of Brussels. informal
- 7 Sweetmeats. Northumbria, countable, uncountable
- 8 A sweet, treat or candy. Wearside, countable, uncountable
Proper Noun
- 1 A river in Russia, a tributary of the Ob.
- 2 The station code of Kennedy Town in Hong Kong.
- 3 The Yeniseian language of the Ket people.
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"A particular ket, say #124;A#92;rangle, might be represented by a particular column vector. Its corresponding bra, #92;langleA#124;, would then be represented by the row vector which is the transpose conjugate of that column vector."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "ket"?
Common synonyms include: english, language.
How do you use "ket" in a sentence?
A particular ket, say #124;A#92;rangle, might be represented by a particular column vector. Its corresponding bra, #92;langleA#124;, would then be represented by the row vector which is the transpose conjugate of that column vector.
How do you pronounce "ket"?
Pronounced /kɛt/.
Etymology
Etymology 1
From bra-ket notation invented by Paul Dirac, from bracket.
Etymology 2
Probably of Old Norse origin like kjǫt (“meat”), from Proto-Germanic *ketwą. Compare Icelandic kjöt (“flesh”); akin to Swedish kött, Danish kød, and Norwegian kjøtt. The use of the term ket for "candy" or "sweets" probably derived from its use to describe sweet meats or as a deterrent to children.
Etymology 3
Clipping of ketamine.
Etymology 4
Learned borrowing from Ket кеʼт (keˀt, “human being”), via Russian.
Etymology 5
Borrowed from Dutch Ket, derived from Dutch ket, Middle Dutch *kitte, Proto-West Germanic *kitte.
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