What does "quadrature" mean?
The process of making something square; squaring.
Quadrature
/ˈkwɒd.ɹəˌtjʊə(ɹ)/ noun
noun ·Uncommon ·Advanced level
Meaning at a glance
- Primary sense: The process of making something square; squaring.
- Grammar: quadrature is listed as noun.
- Nearest alternatives: figure, foursome, numerical integration, quadrangle.
- Useful contrasts: opposition.
- Usage evidence: As π is transcendental, the quadrature of a circle - a classical problem in geometry - is impossible.
How to use "quadrature"
- Start with the primary definition, then check the part of speech before placing the word in a sentence.
- Compare nearby synonyms to make sure "quadrature" carries the exact meaning, tone, and strength you need.
- Use the example sentence as a context check. If your sentence uses the word differently, confirm that the grammar still fits.
Meaning check
- Does the word fit the sentence's grammar?
- Does it match the intended tone rather than only the dictionary definition?
- Would a simpler synonym be clearer for the reader?
- Is there enough surrounding context to prevent ambiguity?
Source and review context
This entry combines structured lexical data with WordToolSet review checks. Definitions, examples, synonyms, and usage notes may come from different source tables, so the page is designed to show evidence from more than one angle before you rely on "quadrature" in a final draft.
If a word has several senses, prefer the sense that matches your sentence's grammar and surrounding context. A correct definition can still be the wrong choice when the sentence needs a different register, emphasis, or level of specificity.
Before you rely on this definition
Read the first definition as a starting point, then check the example, synonyms, and part of speech before treating "quadrature" as the right word for your sentence.
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Compare nearby meanings
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Definition decision workflow
1. Identify the role
Check whether "quadrature" is acting as noun in your sentence. A definition is only useful when the grammar matches the way the word is being used.
2. Test the nearest option
Compare it with "figure" and other nearby choices to see whether the sentence needs a softer, stronger, or more familiar word.
3. Confirm with context
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Final meaning check
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When the definition, synonym evidence, and example context point in the same direction, the word is usually a safer choice. When they conflict, revise the sentence or choose a clearer alternative.
Definitions
Noun
- 1 The process of making something square; squaring. countable, uncountable
- 2 the construction of a square having the same area as some other figure wordnet
- 3 The act or process of constructing a square that has the same area as a given plane figure, or of computing that area. countable, uncountable
"1976, D. T. Whiteside (editor), The Mathematical Papers of Isaac Newton, Volume 7: 1691-1695, Cambridge University Press, page 3, Craige was then on the point of publishing a short tract wherein he expounded a systematic (if far from general) 'Method of determining the quadrature of figures comprehended by straight lines and curves', there gathering a variety of techniques of rational algebraic quadrature and arc-rectification […] ."
- 4 The calculation of a definite integral by numerical means. countable, uncountable
"1992, Bernard Bielecki, SINC Quadratures for Cauchy Principal Value Integrals, T.O. Espelid, Alan Genz, Springer, Numerical Integration: Recent Developments, Software and Applications, page 81, Three types of SINC quadratures are surveyed for the evaluation of Cauchy principal value integrals ∫_ΓF(t)dt/(t-x), x∈Γ, where Γ is an arc in the complex plane. Under suitable assumptions on F, the quadrature errors are of order O(e), where N is the number of quadrature nodes and c is a constant independent of N."
- 5 The act or process of solving an indefinite integral by symbolic means. countable, uncountable
Show 3 more definitions
- 6 A situation in which the directions of two celestial bodies (or a celestial body and the Sun) form a right angle from the perspective of the observer. countable, uncountable
"When the Moon is in quadrature, it appears in the sky as a half-moon."
- 7 The condition in which the phase angle between two alternating quantities is 90°. countable, uncountable
"If ν_(IN) has 50% duty-cycle, then the outputs are in quadrature."
- 8 A painting painted on a wooden panel. countable, uncountable
Synonyms
All synonymsAntonyms
Example
"As π is transcendental, the quadrature of a circle - a classical problem in geometry - is impossible."
Common questions
What is a synonym for "quadrature"?
Common synonyms include: figure, foursome, numerical integration, quadrangle, quarter, quartet.
How do you use "quadrature" in a sentence?
As π is transcendental, the quadrature of a circle - a classical problem in geometry - is impossible.
How do you pronounce "quadrature"?
Pronounced /ˈkwɒd.ɹəˌtjʊə(ɹ)/.
Etymology
Borrowed from Latin quadrātūra.