quant

n. A punting pole with a broad flange near the end to prevent it from sinking into the mud; a setting pole. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. quantus how much. See Quantity. ] (Math.) A homogeneous algebraic function of two or more variables, in general containing only positive integral powers of the variables, and called quadric, cubic, quartic, etc., according as it is of the second, third, fourth, fifth, or a higher degree. These are further called binary, ternary, quaternary, etc., according as they contain two, three, four, or more variables; thus, the quantic &unr_; is a binary cubic. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ See Quantity. ] Modification by a reference to quantity; the introduction of the element of quantity. [ 1913 Webster ]

The quantification of the predicate belongs in part to Sir William Hamilton; viz., in its extension to negative propositions. De Quincey. [ 1913 Webster ]

v. t. [ L. quantus now much + -fy. ] 1. To modify or qualify with respect to quantity; to determine, fix or express the quantity of; to rate. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. (Logic) To make explicit the quantity of; as, to quantify a variable. [ PJC ]

a. [ Cf. F. quantitatif. ] Relating to quantity. -- Quan"ti*ta*tive*ly, adv. [1913 Webster]

Quantitative analysis (Chem.), analysis which determines the amount or quantity of each ingredient of a substance, by weight or by volume; -- contrasted with qualitative analysis. [1913 Webster]

a. [ See Quantity. ] Estimable according to quantity; quantitative. Sir K. Digby. [ 1913 Webster ]

adv. So as to be measurable by quantity; quantitatively. [ 1913 Webster ]

n.; pl. Quantities [ F. quantite, L. quantitas, fr. quantus bow great, how much, akin to quam bow, E. how, who. See Who. ] [ 1913 Webster ]

1. The attribute of being so much, and not more or less; the property of being measurable, or capable of increase and decrease, multiplication and division; greatness; and more concretely, that which answers the question “How much?”; measure in regard to bulk or amount; determinate or comparative dimensions; measure; amount; bulk; extent; size. Hence, in specific uses: (a) (Logic) The extent or extension of a general conception, that is, the number of species or individuals to which it may be applied; also, its content or comprehension, that is, the number of its constituent qualities, attributes, or relations. (b) (Gram.) The measure of a syllable; that which determines the time in which it is pronounced; as, the long or short quantity of a vowel or syllable. (c) (Mus.) The relative duration of a tone. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. That which can be increased, diminished, or measured; especially (Math.), anything to which mathematical processes are applicable. [ 1913 Webster ]

☞ Quantity is discrete when it is applied to separate objects, as in number; continuous, when the parts are connected, either in succession, as in time, motion, etc., or in extension, as by the dimensions of space, viz., length, breadth, and thickness. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. A determinate or estimated amount; a sum or bulk; a certain portion or part; sometimes, a considerable amount; a large portion, bulk, or sum; as, a medicine taken in quantities, that is, in large quantities. [ 1913 Webster ]

The quantity of extensive and curious information which he had picked up during many months of desultory, but not unprofitable, study. Macaulay. [ 1913 Webster ]

Quantity of estate (Law), its time of continuance, or degree of interest, as in fee, for life, or for years. Wharton (Law Dict. ) --
Quantity of matter, in a body, its mass, as determined by its weight, or by its momentum under a given velocity. --
Quantity of motion (Mech.), in a body, the relative amount of its motion, as measured by its momentum, varying as the product of mass and velocity. --
Known quantities (Math.), quantities whose values are given. --
Unknown quantities (Math.), quantities whose values are sought. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. [ L. quantus how much + E. valence. ] (Chem.) Valence. [ Archaic ] [ 1913 Webster ]