English edit

polynomial degrees
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Alternative forms edit

Etymology edit

From French quadratique (1765), from Latin quadrātus + -ique[1] (English -ic), form of quadrō (I make square), from quādrus (square), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres (four), whence also Latin quartus (fourth).

Pronunciation edit

  • IPA(key): /kwɒdˈɹætɪk/, /kwəˈdɹætɪk/
  • (file)

Adjective edit

quadratic (not comparable)

  1. square-shaped
  2. (mathematics) of a polynomial, involving the second power (square) of a variable but no higher powers, as  .
  3. (mathematics) of an equation, of the form  .
  4. (mathematics) of a function, of the form  .


Translations edit

Noun edit

quadratic (plural quadratics)

  1. (mathematics) A quadratic polynomial, function or equation.

Translations edit

Usage notes edit

Not to be confused with quartic (degree four). Both derive ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres (four), with quadratic coming from “four-sided”, hence “square, two-dimensional, degree two”.

Derived terms edit

Related terms edit

See also edit

References edit

  1. ^ quadratique”, in Trésor de la langue française informatisé [Digitized Treasury of the French Language], 2012.

Further reading edit