noun
quadrant
KWOD-ruhnt
noun
1
One of four sections created when an area is divided by two perpendicular lines.
"The graph plots data across all four quadrants."
2
A quarter of a circle, forming a 90-degree sector.
"Cut the pie into quadrants for four equal slices."
3
A historic instrument with a 90-degree graduated scale, used to measure angles such as a star's altitude.
"Sailors once used a quadrant to work out their ship's latitude."
How to Use Quadrant
Learner’s notesIn plain EnglishA quarter section of something — a circle, a graph, or a measuring tool based on a 90-degree arc.
Common pairings
upper quadrant
the first quadrant
a navigational quadrant
Word Forms
quadrants plural, quadrants plural
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The graph plots data across all four _____.
Etymology
From Latin quadrans, "a quarter part," through Old French — the same root family as "quarter" and "quart."