third quantum number
Related to third quantum number: Azimuthal quantum number, Spin quantum number
third quantum number
n.
The quantum number that specifies the direction of the orbital angular momentum of an electron in an atom and indicates the orientation of the subshell in which the electron is located. Also called magnetic quantum number.
American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.