Mathematics and Physics Glossary

Quadrable a. (Math.) That may be squared, or reduced to an equivalent square; said of a surface when the area limited by a curve can be exactly found, and expressed in a finite number of algebraic terms.

Quadrangle, n. (Geom.) A plane figure having four angles, and consequently four sides; any figure having four angles.

Quadrant, n.

1. (Geom.) The quarter of a circle, or of the circumference of a circle, an arc of 90°, or one subtending a right angle at the center.

2. (Anal. Geom.) One of the four parts into which a plane is divided by the coördinate axes. The upper right-hand part is the first quadrant; the upper left-hand part the second; the lower left-hand part the third; and the lower right-hand part the fourth quadrant.

Quadrantal a. (Geom.) Of or pertaining to a quadrant; also, included in the fourth part of a circle; as, quadrantal space.

Quadrate, a. (Geom.) A plane surface with four equal sides and four right angles; a square; hence, figuratively, anything having the outline of a square.

Quadratic, a. (Math.) Pertaining to terms of the second degree; as, a quadratic equation, in which the highest power of the unknown quantity is a square.