quadrature

American  

[kwod-ruh-cher, -choor] / ˈkwɒd rə tʃər, -ˌtʃʊər /

noun

1. the act of squaring.

2. Mathematics.

   1. the act or process of finding a square equal in area to a given surface, especially a surface bounded by a curve.

   2. the act or process of finding an area or calculating an integral, especially by numerical methods.

   3. a definite integral.

3. Astronomy.

   1. the situation of two heavenly bodies when their longitudes differ by 90°.

   2. either of the two points in the orbit of a body, as the moon, midway between the syzygies.

   3. (of the moon) those points or moments at which a half moon is visible.

4. Electronics. the relation between two signals having the same frequency that differ in phase by 90°.

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quadrature British  

/ ˈkwɒdrətʃə /

noun

1. maths the process of determining a square having an area equal to that of a given figure or surface

2. the process of making square or dividing into squares

3. astronomy a configuration in which two celestial bodies, usually the sun and the moon or a planet, form an angle of 90° with a third body, usually the earth

4. electronics the relationship between two waves that are 90° out of phase

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quadrature Scientific  

/ kwŏd′rə-chr′ /

1. The process of constructing a square equal in area to a given surface.

2. A configuration in which the position of one celestial body is 90° from another celestial body, as measured from a third. For example, the half moon lies in quadrature from the Sun when Earth is the reference point.

3. See more at elongation

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Etymology

Origin of quadrature

1545–55; < Latin quadrātūra, equivalent to quadrāt ( us ) (past participle of quadrāre; see quadrate) + -ūra -ure

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

quadrature

The systematic component is then calculated by subtracting in quadrature the statistical component from the total uncertainty.

From Nature ● May 12, 2015

Profound philosophers have sometimes got very near to the discovery of the quadrature of the circle, perpetual motion, the transmutation of metals, the elixir of life, the crystallisation of carbon, the longitude.

From Punch - Volume 25 (Jul-Dec 1853) by Various

The quadrature of the circle was indeed the common Dulcinea of the Quixotes of the time; but they had all been disenchanted.

From Calamities and Quarrels of Authors by Isaac Disraeli

Having glanced at it and detected quadrature, I began methodically at the beginning—"By Royal Command," with the lion and unicorn, and all that comes between.

From A Budget of Paradoxes, Volume II by David Eugene Smith

The poetic notion of the quadrature must not be forgotten.

From A Budget of Paradoxes, Volume II by David Eugene Smith