quad·rat (kw d r t, -r t )n. 1. Printing A piece of type metal lower than the raised typeface, used for filling spaces and blank lines. Also called quad2. 2. Ecology Any of a group of small, usually rectangular plots of land arranged for close study of the distribution of plants or animals in an area. [Middle English, a square geometric instrument, rectangular area; see quadrate.] |
quadrat [ˈkwɒdrət]
n
1. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Botany) Ecology an area of vegetation, often one square metre, marked out for study of the plants in the surrounding area
2. (Life Sciences & Allied Applications / Environmental Science) the frame used to mark out such an area
[C14 (meaning ``a square''): variant of quadrate]
quadrat
a plot of land, square or rectangular, marked off or set out for the study of plant or animal life.
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