quotient

noun

quo·​tient ˈkwō-shənt 

1

: the number resulting from the division of one number by another

2

: the numerical ratio usually multiplied by 100 between a test score and a standard value

3

: quota, share

4

: the magnitude of a specified characteristic or quality

the celebrity's likability quotient is high

Examples of quotient in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

The piecemeal efforts improved the dictionary’s quality and cool quotient. —Stefan Fatsis, The Atlantic, 13 Sep. 2025

Denim still anchors the line, though Cameron plans on upping its fashion quotient for her NYFW debut. —Ari Stark, Footwear News, 9 Sep. 2025

Some have also argued that neither pulled in a heavy enough family quotient or under-17 quotient, the latter 8% for Superman and 10% for Fantastic Four. —Anthony D'alessandro, Deadline, 1 Sep. 2025

The new BlackRock fund would allocate only 5% to 20% of its holdings to private investments, with the quotient dropping as you age. —Daniel De Visé, USA Today, 8 Aug. 2025

Word History

Etymology

Middle English quocient, modification of Latin quotiens how many times, from quot how many

First Known Use

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Phrases Containing quotient

• emotional quotient
• intelligence quotient
• quotient group
• quotient ring
• respiratory quotient

Kids Definition

quotient

noun

quo·​tient ˈkwō-shənt 

: the number resulting from the division of one number by another

dividing 10 by 5 gives a quotient of 2

Etymology

Middle English quocient, an altered form of Latin quotiens "how many times?"

Medical Definition

quotient

noun

quo·​tient ˈkwō-shənt 

: the numerical ratio usually multiplied by 100 between a test score and a measurement on which that score might be expected largely to depend