| quantum theory |
a theory in physics that energy radiates or is absorbed in discontinuous quantities, each a multiple of indivisible units or quanta. |
| quarantine |
the enforced separation of people, animals, goods, or the like from others, so as to prevent the spread of contagious illness. [4 definitions] |
| quark |
any of several elementary particles believed to be components of protons, neutrons, and related particles. |
| quarrel |
an angry or bitter disagreement or argument. [4 definitions] |
| quarrelsome |
tending to quarrel easily or frequently; bad-tempered; argumentative. |
| quarrier |
one who quarries stone. |
| quarry1 |
a large open hole or pit dug for mining stone, marble, gravel, or the like. [3 definitions] |
| quarry2 |
an animal hunted for food or sport. [2 definitions] |
| quarry3 |
something that is in the shape of a square or diamond, esp. a tile or small windowpane. |
| quarryman |
see quarrier. |
| quart |
in the US, a unit of capacity equal to two pints or 0.9464 liter in liquid measure and two pints or 1.101 liters in dry measure. (abbr.: qt.) [3 definitions] |
| quarter |
a fraction equal to one fourth of a whole. [15 definitions] |
| quarterback |
in football, the chief offensive player who calls the plays and is the first to receive the ball in most plays. [5 definitions] |
| quarter day |
any of the four days of the year that are regarded as beginning a new season or quarter and on which quarterly payments are due. |
| quarterdeck |
the rear part of the upper deck of a ship, usu. off limits to all but officers. |
| quartered |
divided into four parts. [3 definitions] |
| quarterfinal |
of or designating the round of competitive matches preceding the semifinals of a sports tournament. [2 definitions] |
| quarter horse |
any of a breed of saddle horses developed for quarter-mile racing and favored for their quickness, strength, and versatility. |
| quarter-hour |
a period of fifteen minutes. [2 definitions] |
| quarterly |
happening or appearing four times a year, esp. at the end of each three-month period. [4 definitions] |
| quartermaster |
in the military, an officer who arranges for and distributes food, housing, clothing, and other provisions. [2 definitions] |