quadrature

/ˈkwɑdrətʃər/
noun
  1. The process of finding a square with the same area as a given shape, or more generally, a mathematical method for calculating areas or integrals.
    • The ancient problem of quadrature of the circle fascinated mathematicians for centuries.
    • In calculus class, we learned about numerical quadrature to approximate the area under a curve.
    • The engineer used quadrature to compute the total surface area of the irregular shape.
  2. A phase difference of 90 degrees (a quarter cycle) between two waves or signals.
    • Engineers adjusted the circuit to achieve perfect quadrature between the voltage and current.
    • The two sound waves were in quadrature, creating a unique stereo effect.
    • In radio communication, quadrature modulation helps send more data on the same frequency.
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