Definition

Noun: A quarter-circle is a geometric shape representing exactly one-fourth of a full circle. It is an arc that subtends a central angle of 90 degrees (a right angle).

Usage

The term is used to describe a specific portion of a circle's circumference or the area enclosed by two radii at a right angle and the connecting arc. * The garden path turned in a perfect quarter-circle around the fountain. * To find the length of a quarter-circle, calculate one-fourth of the circle's total circumference.

Advanced Usage

• In technical contexts like architecture or engineering, a quarter-circle often refers to a curved element with this specific 90-degree arc.
  • The balcony featured a decorative railing formed in a quarter-circle.

Variants and Related Words

• Quadrant: While a quarter-circle typically refers to the arc, a more formally denotes one of the four regions created by perpendicular axes in a coordinate plane, or the area enclosed by a quarter-circle.
• Arc: A general term for any segment of a circle's circumference. A quarter-circle is a specific type of arc.

Synonyms

• Ninety-degree arc
• Right-angled arc

Related Phrases

• Quarter-turn: A rotation of 90 degrees, which traces a quarter-circle path.

Noun

1. a quarter of the circumference of a circle