quadratic

1 of 2

adjective (1)

qua·​drat·​ic kwä-ˈdra-tik 

: involving terms of the second degree at most

quadratic function

quadratic equations

quadratic noun

quadratically

kwä-ˈdra-ti-k(ə-)lē 

adverb

quadratical

2 of 2

adjective (2)

qua·​drat·​i·​cal

|ə̇kəl

: quadratic

quadratically

|ə̇k(ə)lē 

adverb

Examples of quadratic in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Adjective

The quadratic growth of prompts over a conversation is inefficient, but Bolin explains that prompt caching mitigates this issue somewhat. —Beth Mole, ArsTechnica, 26 Jan. 2026

How many quadratic curves lie on a quintic surface? —Joseph Howlett, Quanta Magazine, 26 Sep. 2025

To explore the possibility of diminishing returns, a quadratic term was added to the model. —Giovanni Malloy, Forbes.com, 26 June 2025

The mathematicians needed to get better control over the quadratic twist. —Joseph Howlett, WIRED, 9 Mar. 2025

Word History

Etymology

and Adjective (2)

First Known Use

Adjective (1)

1668, in the meaning defined above

Phrases Containing quadratic

• quadratic equation
• quadratic form
• quadratic formula

Rhymes for quadratic

• asthmatic
• chromatic
• climatic
• dogmatic
• dramatic
• ecstatic
• emphatic
• erratic
• eustatic
• fanatic
• hepatic
• lymphatic

Kids Definition

quadratic

1 of 2 adjective

qua·​drat·​ic

kwä-ˈdrat-ik

: involving or consisting of terms in which no variable is raised to a power higher than 2

a quadratic expression

a quadratic function

quadratic

2 of 2 noun

: a quadratic polynomial or equation