first-quater

Definition
  1. Noun:
    • The first quarter of the moon: "first quarter" refers to the phase of the moon when half of its visible disk is illuminated, occurring about one week after the new moon. It is also called the "half moon."
    • A period of time equal to one-fourth of a year or other cycle: In calendars or financial contexts, "first quarter" means the first three months of a year (e.g., January to March).
Usage Examples

  • Noun (moon phase):

    • The first quarter of the moon appears as a bright half-circle in the sky. (The moon is halfway between new and full.)
    • We observed the first quarter through a telescope last night. (We saw the moon in its half-illuminated phase.)

  • Noun (time period):

    • Sales increased significantly in the first quarter of this year. (The period from January to March.)
    • The company's earnings report for the first quarter showed strong growth. (The first three months of the fiscal year.)
Advanced Usage
  • "first-quarter moon": a compound term referring specifically to the lunar phase.
    • The first-quarter moon rises around noon and sets around midnight. (Its visibility pattern is distinct from other phases.)
Variants and Related Words
  • First-quarter (adj): describing something that occurs in or relates to the first quarter.
    • The first-quarter results were announced yesterday. (Results from the first three months.)
Synonyms
  • Half moon: an informal term for the first quarter moon.
  • Q1: an abbreviation for the first quarter of a year (used in business or finance).
Related Idioms
  • "First quarter of the game": In sports, the first of four equal periods of play.
    • The team scored three goals in the first quarter of the match. (The first 15 minutes of a 60-minute game.)

Note: The word "first-quarter" is a compound term, not a single word. The reference dictionary you provided appears to have a typo ("first-quater" instead of "first quarter"). In standard English, it is written as two separate words: "first quarter."