quantize

Verb

1. To limit the number of possible values of a quantity, or states of a system, by applying the rules of quantum mechanics
2. To approximate a continuously varying signal by one whose amplitude can only have a set of discrete values
3. To shift each beat in a rhythmic pattern to the nearest beat of a given resolution (eighth note, sixteenth note, etc.), or to adjust the frequency or pitch of a note to the nearest perfect tone in a given musical scale
4. To associate a given set of numbers with a set of numeric values in another encoding or numerical system (e.g. in a discrete mathematics).