quadrature

[ kwod-ruh-cher, -choor ]

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°.

quadrature

/ 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

quadrature

/ 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

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadrature¹

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

Example Sentences

We add the uncertainties of all three parameters in quadrature to the uncertainty of the determined g-factor.

From Nature

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

From Nature

These errors are added together in quadrature with the error on 1.7 to estimate the error on the ion-induced fraction, /, shown in .

From Nature

A distinct, although very slight, gibbous appearance is visible when the planet is near quadrature.

From Project Gutenberg

When the general line of the terminator becomes a straight line from cusp to cusp, the moon is said to have reached first quarter or quadrature.

From Project Gutenberg