quadrature

[ kwod-ruh-cher, -choor ]

/ ˈkwɒd rə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

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noun

the act of squaring.

Mathematics.

the act or process of finding a square equal in area to a given surface, especially a surface bounded by a curve.
the act or process of finding an area or calculating an integral, especially by numerical methods.
a definite integral.

Astronomy.

the situation of two heavenly bodies when their longitudes differ by 90°.
either of the two points in the orbit of a body, as the moon, midway between the syzygies.
(of the moon) those points or moments at which a half moon is visible.

Electronics. the relation between two signals having the same frequency that differ in phase by 90°.

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CAN YOU ANSWER THESE COMMON GRAMMAR DEBATES?

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Question 1 of 7

Which sentence is correct?

His boss, whom he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

His boss, who he admires, is waiting to meet with him about the big project.

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Origin of quadrature

1545–55; <Latin quadrātūra, equivalent to quadrāt(us) (past participle of quadrāre;see quadrate) + -ūra-ure

Words nearby quadrature

quadratic equation, quadratic form, quadratic formula, quadratic residue, quadratics, quadrature, quadrature of the circle, quadrel, quadrella, quadrennial, quadrennium

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2023

How to use quadrature in a sentence

So that to find equivalent single words in translation, appears often as hopeless as the quadrature of the circle.
The Indian in his Wigwam|Henry R. Schoolcraft
Among his mathematical investigations must not be omitted the quadrature of the parabola.
History of the Intellectual Development of Europe, Volume I (of 2)|John William Draper
In 1644 he published a tract on the properties of the cycloid in which he suggested a solution of the problem of its quadrature.
A History of Science, Volume 2(of 5)|Henry Smith Williams
Yet, from time to time, treatises are published which boldly announce that they set forth the quadrature of the circle.
The Works of Robert G. Ingersoll, Vol. 6 (of 12)|Robert G. Ingersoll

Triangulation and quadrature of the beacons works for navigation—only it follows its own rules.
The Repairman|Harry Harrison

British Dictionary definitions for quadrature

quadrature

/ (ˈkwɒdrətʃə) /

noun

maths the process of determining a square having an area equal to that of a given figure or surface

the process of making square or dividing into squares

astronomy a configuration in which two celestial bodies, usually the sun and the moon or a planet, form an angle of 90° with a third body, usually the earth

electronics the relationship between two waves that are 90° out of phase

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Scientific definitions for quadrature

quadrature

[ kwŏd′rə-chur′ ]

The process of constructing a square equal in area to a given surface.

A configuration in which the position of one celestial body is 90° from another celestial body, as measured from a third. For example, the half moon lies in quadrature from the Sun when Earth is the reference point. See more at elongation.