quadratic

Meanings

Adjective

• square-shaped
• of a polynomial, involving the second power (square) of a variable but no higher powers, as $ax^2\; +\; bx\; +\; c$.
• of an equation, of the form $ax^2\; +\; bx\; +\; c\; =\; 0$.
• of a function, of the form $y\; =\; ax^2\; +\; bx\; +\; c$.

Noun

• A quadratic polynomial, function or equation.

Origin

• From French quadratique (1765), from Latin quadrātus + -ique (English -ic), form of quadrō, from quādrus, ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *kʷetwóres ("four"), whence also Latin quartus.