quadrant

quad·rant

noun \ˈkwä-drənt\

Definition of QUADRANT

1

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

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

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

Examples of QUADRANT

1. Draw two intersecting lines that divide the page into four quadrants.
2. The town is located in the northwest quadrant of the state.

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

quad·rant

noun \ˈkwäd-rənt\   (Medical Dictionary)

Medical Definition of QUADRANT

1

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

2

: 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>