quadratic
quadratic Lexical Profile
quadratic Game Scores & Validity
• adjective
Involving the second and no higher power of an unknown quantity or variable, such as x² (in mathematics).
"The students learned how to apply the quadratic formula to find the roots of the equation."
Square or four-sided in shape (archaic or rare).
"The ancient courtyard was laid with large quadratic flagstones."
• noun
A quadratic equation, polynomial, or expression.
"Factoring this particular quadratic takes only a few seconds once you spot the pattern."
The branch of algebra that deals with quadratic equations (usually used in the plural).
"The ninth-grade math curriculum introduces quadratics right after linear functions."
Word Nuance & Usage
Although derived from the Latin word for four, in mathematics "quadratic" always refers to a power of two (a squared term, like x²), not a power of four (which is "quartic").
• Rhymes for quadratic
• Nearby Words
Word Origin & Etymology
Borrowed in the mid-17th century from French quadratique or Modern Latin quadraticus, derived from Latin quadratus ('squared'), the past participle of quadrare ('to make four-cornered or square'), from quattuor ('four').