quadratic

[ kwo-drat-ik ]

/ kwɒˈdræt ɪk /

adjective

square.

Algebra. involving the square and no higher power of the unknown quantity; of the second degree.

noun

a quadratic polynomial or equation.

Nearby words

Origin of quadratic

First recorded in 1650–60; quadrate + -ic

Related formsquad·rat·i·cal·ly, adverb

Dictionary.com Unabridged Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019

British Dictionary definitions for quadratically

quadratic

/ (kwɒˈdrætɪk) maths /

noun

Also called: quadratic equation an equation containing one or more terms in which the variable is raised to the power of two, but no terms in which it is raised to a higher power

adjective

of or relating to the second power

Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition © William Collins Sons & Co. Ltd. 1979, 1986 © HarperCollins Publishers 1998, 2000, 2003, 2005, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2012

Word Origin and History for quadratically

quadratic

adj.

1650s, "square," with -ic + obsolete quadrate "a square; a group of four things" (late 14c.), from Latin quadratum, noun use of neuter adjective quadratus "square, squared," past participle of quadrare "to square, set in order, complete" (see quadrant). Quadratic equations (1660s) so called because they involve the square of x.

Science definitions for quadratically

quadratic

[ kwŏ-drăt′ĭk ]

Relating to a mathematical expression containing a term of the second degree, such as x2 + 2.♦ A quadratic equation is an equation having the general form ax2 + bx + c = 0, where a, b, and c are constants.♦ The quadratic formula is x = -b ± √(b2 - 4ac)/2a. It is used in algebra to calculate the roots of quadratic equations.