adjective

quadratic

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Quadratic (adjective) means Quadratic means square-shaped. Example: “The tiles were laid out in a quadratic pattern across the floor.”

adjective

Quadratic means square-shaped.

"The tiles were laid out in a quadratic pattern across the floor."

"An old drawing showed the fort's quadratic outline."

mathematics In mathematics, quadratic describes a polynomial, equation or function that involves a variable raised to the power of two but no higher power.

"A quadratic equation has the form ax squared plus bx plus c."

"Students learned to solve quadratic equations using the formula."

"The graph of a quadratic function forms a curve called a parabola."

noun

mathematics A quadratic is a mathematical polynomial, function or equation of the second degree.

"She factorised the quadratic to find its two roots."

"The teacher set three quadratics for homework."

How to use quadratic

Learner’s notes

In plain EnglishQuadratic usually means to do with a squared variable in maths, and less often just means square-shaped.

When to use it

Outside mathematics classrooms the word is rare, and mostly turns up in its mathematical sense.

Memory tip

Quadratic means degree two, not degree four, even though it comes from a root meaning four.

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Easily confused with

quartic

Common pairings

quadratic equation quadratic function solve a quadratic quadratic formula

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C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

C2 · Advanced serendipity Fortunate discoveries made entirely by accident.

Gen Z slang rizz Charm — the ability to attract a romantic interest.

B2 · Intermediate empathy The capacity to share another person’s feelings.

C1 · Advanced nonchalant Casually calm and relaxed; unconcerned.

Internet slang delulu Delusional — believing something against the odds.

Etymology nostalgia Greek nostos “return home” + algos “pain”.

Test yourself on “quadratic” A quick quiz — meaning, synonyms & usage →

Fill the gap

Can you complete this real example?

The tiles were laid out in a _____ pattern across the floor.

Etymology

Quadratic entered English from French quadratique, which itself came from Latin quadratus combined with the suffix -ique. Quadratus traces back to the Latin verb quadro, meaning to make square, ultimately from a Proto-Indo-European root for the number four.

Origin: French

Rhymes for quadratic

static somatic aquatic fanatic hepatic erratic lunatic aromatic ecstatic operatic dramatic climatic

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Frequently asked questions

What does quadratic mean?

Quadratic can mean square-shaped, or, in mathematics, it describes an equation, polynomial or function built around the square of a variable, with no higher powers.

What is a quadratic equation?

A quadratic equation is one of the form ax squared plus bx plus c equals zero, where the variable appears squared but not to any higher power.

Is quadratic the same as quartic?

No. Quadratic refers to the second power, while quartic refers to the fourth power, even though both words ultimately come from the same root meaning four.

What is the meaning of quadratic?

"quadratic" (adjective) means quadratic means square-shaped.