(technical)each of four quarters of a circle (技)四分之一圆周,九十度弧 ■each of four parts of a plane, sphere, space, or body divided by two lines or planes at right angles (两条直线垂直相交划出的)四分之一平面;(两个平面垂直相交划出的)四分之一球体(或空间,物体) the right upper quadrant of the kidney. 肾脏右上方的1/4。 ■(historical)an instrument used for taking angular measurements of altitude in astronomy and navigation, typically consisting of a graduated quarter circle and a sighting mechanism (史)象限仪,四分仪 ■a frame fixed to the head of a ship's rudder, to which the steering mechanism is attached 扇形舵柄 ■a panel with slots through which a lever is moved to orient or otherwise control a mechanism 直角换向器
派生 quadrantal adjective 语源
late Middle English (denoting the astronomical instrument): from Latin quadrans, quadrant- 'quarter', from quattuor 'four'