quadrature

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

noun

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

Origin of quadrature

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

Words nearby quadrature

quadratic equation, quadratic form, quadratic formula, quadratic residue, quadratics, quadrature, quadrature of the circle, quadrel, quadrella, quadrennial, quadrennium

Example sentences from the Web for quadrature

British Dictionary definitions for quadrature

quadrature
/ (ˈkwɒdrətʃə) /

noun

maths the process of determining a square having an area equal to that of a given figure or surface
the process of making square or dividing into squares
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
electronics the relationship between two waves that are 90° out of phase

Scientific definitions for quadrature

quadrature
[ kwŏd′rə-chur′ ]

The process of constructing a square equal in area to a given surface.
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. See more at elongation.