Quad"ra*ture (?), n. [L. quadratura: cf. F. quadrature. See Quadrate, a.]

1. Math.



A quadrate; a square.


3. Integral Calculus


4. Astron.

The position of one heavenly body in respect to another when distant from it 90°, or a quarter of a circle, as the moon when at an equal distance from the points of conjunction and opposition.

Quadrature of the moon Astron., the position of the moon when one half of the disk is illuminated. -- Quadrature of an orbit Astron., a point in an orbit which is at either extremity of the latus rectum drawn through the empty focus of the orbit.


© Webster 1913.

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