quadrant

noun quad·rant \ˈkwä-drənt\

: one part of something that is evenly divided into four parts; especially geometry : one part of a circle that is evenly divided into four parts

Full Definition of QUADRANT

a : an instrument for measuring altitudes consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90 degrees with an index or vernier and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction

b : a device or mechanical part shaped like or suggestive of the quadrant of a circle

a : an arc of 90 degrees that is one quarter of a circle

b : the area bounded by a quadrant and two radii

a : any of the four parts into which a plane is divided by rectangular coordinate axes lying in that plane

b : any of the four quarters into which something is divided by two real or imaginary lines that intersect each other at right angles

— qua·dran·tal \kwä-ˈdran-t^əl\ adjective

See quadrant defined for English-language learners

See quadrant defined for kids

Illustration of QUADRANT

Origin of QUADRANT

Middle English, from Latin quadrant-, quadrans fourth part; akin to Latin quattuor four — more at four

First Known Use: 15th century

QUADRANT Defined for Kids

quadrant

noun quad·rant \ˈkwä-drənt\

Definition of QUADRANT for Kids

: one-fourth of a circle

: any of the four parts into which something is divided by two imaginary or real lines that intersect each other at right angles

Medical Dictionary

quadrant

noun quad·rant \ˈkwäd-rənt\

Medical Definition of QUADRANT

: an arc of 90° that is one quarter of a circle

: any of the four more or less equivalent segments into which an anatomic structure may be divided by vertical and horizontal partitioning through its midpoint <pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen>