Pl. quadratrices. [mod.L., fem. agent-n. from quadrāre to QUADRATE; cf. F. quadratrice (17th c.).] A curve used in the process of squaring other curves.
1656. trans. Hobbes’ Elem. Philos. (1839), 316. The ancient geometricians … who made use of the quadratrix for the finding out of a strait line equal to the arch of a circle.
1727–41. Chambers, Cycl., s.v., The most eminent of these quadratrices are, that of Dinostrates [etc.].
1816. trans. Lacroix’s Diff. & Int. Calculus, 662. The Quadratrix, a curve formerly celebrated for its apparent connection with the quadrature of the circle.
1898. trans. H. Schubert, Math. Essays, 124. The solution of the quadrature of the circle founded on the construction of the quadratrix.
