Definitions for quadrantˈkwɒd rənt

quad•rantˈkwɒd rənt(n.)

a quarter of a circle; an arc of 90°.
Category: Math
the area included between such an arc and two radii drawn one to each extremity.
Category: Math
something shaped like a quarter of a circle, as a part of a machine.
Category: Machinery
one of the four parts into which a plane, as the face of a heavenly body, is divided by two perpendicular lines:
the first quadrant of the moon.
Category: Astronomy, Math
an instrument, usu. containing a graduated arc of 90°, used in astronomy, navigation, etc., for measuring altitudes.
Category: Astronomy, Surveying

1350–1400; ME < L quadrant-, s. of quadrāns fourth part

quadrant, quarter-circle(noun)
a quarter of the circumference of a circle
quadrant(noun)
any of the four areas into which a plane is divided by two orthogonal coordinate axes
quadrant(noun)
the area enclosed by two perpendicular radii of a circle
quadrant(noun)
a measuring instrument for measuring altitude of heavenly bodies

quadrant(Noun)
One of the four sections made by dividing an area with two perpendicular lines.
quadrant(Noun)
The four regions of the Cartesian plane bounded by the x-axis and y-axis.
quadrant(Noun)
One fourth of a circle or disc; a sector with an angle of 90.
quadrant(Noun)
A measuring device with a graduated arc of 90 used in locating an altitude.

Origin: From quadrantem, accusative singular of quadrans.

Quadrant(noun)
the fourth part; the quarter
Quadrant(noun)
the quarter of a circle, or of the circumference of a circle, an arc of 90¡, or one subtending a right angle at the center.
Quadrant(noun)
one of the four parts into which a plane is divided by the coordinate axes. The upper right-hand part is the first quadrant; the upper left-hand part the second; the lower left-hand part the third; and the lower right-hand part the fourth quadrant
Quadrant(noun)
an instrument for measuring altitudes, variously constructed and mounted for different specific uses in astronomy, surveying, gunnery, etc., consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90¡, with an index or vernier, and either plain or telescopic sights, and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction.

Quadrant
an instrument for taking altitudes, consisting of the graduated arc of a circle of ninety degrees.

Quadrant
A length equal to an approximate earth quadrant, equal to 1E9 centimeters. It has been used as the name for the unit of inductance, the henry, q. v. Synonym--Standard Quadrant.

Citation

"quadrant." Definitions.net. STANDS4 LLC, 2013. Web. 18 May 2013. <http://www.definitions.net/definition/quadrant>.