Quadratic
/kwɒˈdrætɪk/noun
Relating to a second-degree algebraic equation or expression.
Did you know?Its root comes from Latin *quadratus* (“square”), ultimately tied to the same ancient idea that gave us words like *quadrant* and *quadruple*—proof that math vocabulary often began as shape magic.
Etymological Timeline
Proto-Indo-European
PIE
*kʷetwóres
“four”
Latin
Latin
quattuor
“four”
Latin
Latin
quadratus
“made square; squared”
Late Latin
Latin
quadraticus
“square-shaped; relating to squaring”
16th Century
English
quadratic
“relating to squaring or to the second power in algebra”
Modern English
English
quadratic
“relating to a second-degree algebraic equation or expression”
Explore more surprising origins