Quadrant | Definition, Etymology, Synonyms & Antonyms

Quadrant (noun)

Definition

Quadrant is a noun that has several meanings:

In geometry, it refers to one of the four equal parts into which a plane is divided by the x-axis and the y-axis. Each quadrant forms a right-angle (90-degree) region.
In navigation and astronomy, it is a measuring instrument used to determine angles and bearings.
In a different context, it can also refer to any quarter or one-fourth part of a circle or a sphere.

Etymology

The word quadrant has its origins in the Latin word quadrans, which means fourth part or “a quarter. The term comes from quadrare which means to make a square or to divide into four.

Synonyms

In geometry: quarter, section, segment
In navigation and astronomy: astrolabe, sextant
In general: section, quarter, division

Antonyms

whole
entirety

Example

In mathematics class, the teacher explained how to plot points in the first quadrant of the coordinate plane, where both x and y values are positive.
The ship’s captain used a quadrant to measure the angle between the horizon and a celestial body, helping determine the ship’s position on the ocean.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Table of Contents

What is the purpose of a quadrant in navigation and astronomy?

A quadrant is a navigational instrument used to measure the altitude of celestial bodies above the horizon. It helps determine the ship’s or observer’s position based on the angle between the celestial body and the horizon.

How does a quadrant differ from a sextant?

Both a quadrant and a sextant are navigational instruments used for celestial navigation. The main difference is that a quadrant measures angles up to 90 degrees, while a sextant measures angles up to 120 degrees, making it more accurate for navigation at sea.

What are some other applications of quadrants in real life?

Quadrants are used in various fields, including astronomy, navigation, surveying, and engineering. Modern electronic devices and computer software have largely replaced traditional quadrants in these applications.

What is the difference between a quadrant and a quarter of a circle?

In geometry, a quadrant is one of the four equal parts into which a plane is divided by the x-axis and the y-axis. It represents a 90-degree section of the plane.

On the other hand, a quarter of a circle refers to a 90-degree arc of a circle, which occupies one-fourth of the entire circle’s circumference.

Explore A-Z Nouns List:

A	B	C	D
E	F	G	H
I	J	K	L
M	N	O	P
Q	R	S	T
U	V	W	X
Y	Z

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