quadrant Hear it!

quadrant definition

quad·rant (kwä′drənt)

noun

  1. a fourth part of the circumference of a circle; an arc of 90°
  2. a quarter section of a circle
  3. any piece or part shaped like a quarter section of a circle
  4. an instrument similar to the sextant in design and function, and superseded by it
  5. Geom. any of the four parts formed by rectangular coordinate axes on a plane surface

Etymology: ME < L quadrans, fourth part < quadrare: see quadrate

Related Forms:

  • quadrantal quad·ran′·tal (-drant′əl) adjective

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2005 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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