Quadrant

[kwod-ruh nt] /ˈkwɒd rənt/

noun
1.
a quarter of a circle; an arc of 90°.
2.
the area included between such an arc and two radii drawn one to each extremity.
3.
something shaped like a quarter of a circle, as a part of a machine.
4.
Geometry, Astronomy. one of the four parts into which a plane, as the face of a heavenly body, is divided by two perpendicular lines, numbered counterclockwise from upper right:
the first quadrant of the moon.
5.
an instrument, usually containing a graduated arc of 90°, used in astronomy, navigation, etc., for measuring altitudes.
6.
Astrology. one of the four quarters of the horoscope: determined by the ascendant, nadir, descendant, and midheaven and numbered counterclockwise from the ascendant.
7.
Furniture. one of two metal sliding pieces, of quadrant form, used to support the fall front of a desk from above.
/ˈkwɒdrənt/
noun
1.
(geometry)

2.
a piece of a mechanism in the form of a quarter circle, esp one used as a cam or a gear sector
3.
an instrument formerly used in astronomy and navigation for measuring the altitudes of stars, consisting of a graduated arc of 90° and a sighting mechanism attached to a movable arm
n.

late 14c., “a quarter of a day, six hours,” from Middle French quadrant, from Latin quadrantem (nominative quadrans) “fourth part,” also the name of a coin worth a quarter of an as, noun use of present participle of quadrare “to make square; put in order, arrange, complete; run parallel, be exact,” figuratively “to fit, suit, be proper,” related to quadrus “a square,” quattuor “four” (see four). The surveying instrument is first so called c.1400, because it forms a quarter circle. Related: Quadrantal.

quadrant quad·rant (kwŏd’rənt)
n.

quad·ran’tic (kwŏ-drān’tĭk) adj.
quadrant
(kwŏd’rənt)