ket

Meaning

Noun

• A vector, in Hilbert space, especially as representing the state of a quantum mechanical system; the complex conjugate of a bra; a ket vector. Symbolised by |...〉.
• Carrion; any filth.
• Sweetmeats.
• A sweet, treat or candy.
• ketamine
• matted wool

Origin

• From bra-ket notation invented by Paul Dirac, from bracket.
• 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.
• Abbreviation.