Illustration of quadrant
- quadrant 2
quadrant
noun
quad·rant
ˈkwä-drənt 
1
a
: an instrument for measuring altitudes consisting commonly of a graduated arc of 90 degrees with an index or vernier and usually having a plumb line or spirit level for fixing the vertical or horizontal direction
b
: a device or mechanical part shaped like or suggestive of the quadrant of a circle
2
a
: an arc of 90 degrees that is one quarter of a circle
b
: the area bounded by a quadrant and two radii
3
a
: any of the four parts into which a plane is divided by rectangular coordinate axes lying in that plane
b
: any of the four quarters into which something is divided by two real or imaginary lines that intersect each other at right angles
Did you know?
This word is used for a traditional instrument, used to make calculations of altitude and traditionally employed by sailors to navigate, which has a piece shaped like a quarter of a circle. A quadrant shower is a shower that fits snugly into a bathroom corner and displays a curved front, making a quadrant shape on the floor. But perhaps quadrant is used most often today to name a particular quarter of a city.
Examples of quadrant in a Sentence
Draw two intersecting lines that divide the page into four quadrants.
The town is located in the northwest quadrant of the state.
Recent Examples on the Web
Stand with your feet apart, using the quadrants on the scale as a guide.
—
Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
The Moon in your conversation zone is arguing with overbearing Jupiter in your privacy quadrant, so chatter and quiet needs may collide.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Several projects at varying stages of approval are under consideration there, forming what may one day be a sort of corridor of data center campuses in the northeast quadrant of Eldamain Road and Route 34.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The shooting took place in the District's Southeast quadrant, close to the border with Maryland.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quadrant
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Andrew Gebhart, PC Magazine, 5 Apr. 2026
The Moon in your conversation zone is arguing with overbearing Jupiter in your privacy quadrant, so chatter and quiet needs may collide.
—Tarot.com, Hartford Courant, 2 Apr. 2026
Several projects at varying stages of approval are under consideration there, forming what may one day be a sort of corridor of data center campuses in the northeast quadrant of Eldamain Road and Route 34.
—Molly Morrow, Chicago Tribune, 2 Apr. 2026
The shooting took place in the District's Southeast quadrant, close to the border with Maryland.
—ABC News, 23 Mar. 2026
See All Example Sentences for quadrant
Cite this Entry
“Quadrant.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quadrant. Accessed 8 Apr. 2026.
Copy CitationKids Definition
quadrant
noun
quad·rant
ˈkwäd-rənt
1
: an arc of 90° : one quarter of a circle
2
: any of the four quarters into which something is divided by two real or imaginary lines that intersect each other at right angles
Medical Definition
quadrant
noun
quad·rant
ˈkwäd-rənt
1
: an arc of 90° that is one quarter of a circle
2
: any of the four more or less equivalent segments into which an anatomic structure may be divided by vertical and horizontal partitioning through its midpoint
pain in the lower right quadrant of the abdomen
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