One-fourth of a circle (8) Crossword Clue
Answer: QUADRANT (8 letters)
The answer to the crossword clue "One-fourth of a circle" with 8 letters is "QUADRANT".The term “quadrant” refers to one-fourth of a circle. A circle can be divided into four equal parts by drawing two perpendicular diameters one horizontal and one vertical that intersect at the center. Each of these four parts is called a quadrant. The word itself comes from the Latin quadrans, meaning “a quarter.”
Why “Quadrant” Fits
- The clue asks for a single word (8 letters) meaning “one-fourth of a circle.” The answer, QUADRANT, fits precisely:
- Primary keyword targeting: Quadrant denotes a section that represents one-fourth of a circle or any plane divided into four equal parts.
- Direct match: With eight letters, quadrant matches the clue’s enumeration exactly.
- Precise meaning: In geometry, quadrant refers to any of the four equal divisions of a circle formed by two perpendicular radii. It also generalizes to mean a section or quarter of any circular area.
The term quadrant is foundational in mathematics, geography, and navigation:
Origin and usage: From Latin quadrans, meaning “a quarter,” derived from quattuor (“four”). Historically, it referred to both a geometric quarter of a circle and an ancient navigation instrument used to measure angles.
Contexts:
Geometry: Each of the four sections (first, second, third, fourth) defined by the x- and y-axes on a coordinate plane.
Navigation & Astronomy: A tool historically used to measure altitudes and celestial angles before modern sextants.
Everyday language: Can refer to any quarter or sector of a circular or organized region.
Examples:
“The graph lies entirely in the first quadrant.”
“The ship’s position was calculated with the help of a quadrant.”
- Quick crossword clues like “one-fourth of a circle (8)” often reference geometry or measurement terms:
- Possible distractors include segment (7) or sector (6), but these represent partial areas or arcs — not strictly quarters.
- The numerical hint “one-fourth” points straight to words rooted in quad- (meaning “four”), making quadrant the definitive choice.
- Recognizing prefixes like quad- (four) and semi- (half) can quickly guide solvers to mathematical terminology.
