: 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
2
a
: an arc of 90 degrees that is one quarter of a circle
b
: the area bounded by a quadrant and two radii
3
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
This word is used for a traditional instrument, used to make calculations of altitude and traditionally employed by sailors to navigate, which has a piece shaped like a quarter of a circle. A quadrant shower is a shower that fits snugly into a bathroom corner and displays a curved front, making a quadrant shape on the floor. But perhaps quadrant is used most often today to name a particular quarter of a city.
Examples of quadrant in a Sentence
Draw two intersecting lines that divide the page into four quadrants.
The town is located in the northwest quadrant of the state.
Recent Examples on the WebTwo 6-story buildings and a new parking garage are being planned for 2505 and 2577 Good Samaritan Drive in the southwest quadrant of San Jose, according to documents on file with city planners.—George Avalos, The Mercury News, 30 May 2024 For example, Washington, D.C., is divided into four quadrants with streets that run north-south, east-west and diagonally.—Suzanne Nuyen, NPR, 14 May 2024 That building is planned for the southwest quadrant of the intersection between U.S. 51 and State 19 and cost Kwik Trip $14.1 million, according to the Wisconsin State Journal.—David Clarey, Journal Sentinel, 30 Apr. 2024 The Original Farmers’ Market will operate on the southwest quadrant for the 2024 season, due to renovations at the Indianapolis City Market.—The Indianapolis Star, 18 Apr. 2024 See all Example Sentences for quadrant
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quadrant.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
Etymology
Middle English, from Latin quadrant-, quadrans fourth part; akin to Latin quattuor four — more at four
: 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
Share