quaternion
n 1: the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one [syn:
four, 4, IV, tetrad, quatern, quaternion,
quaternary, quaternity, quartet, quadruplet,
foursome, Little Joe]
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Quaternion \Qua*ter"ni*on\, n. [L. quaternio, fr. quaterni four
each. See Quaternary.]
1. The number four. [Poetic]
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2. A set of four parts, things, or person; four things taken
collectively; a group of four words, phrases,
circumstances, facts, or the like.
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Delivered him to four quaternions of soldiers.
--Acts xii. 4.
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Ye elements, the eldest birth
Of Nature's womb, that in quaternion run. --Milton.
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The triads and quaternions with which he loaded his
sentences. -- Sir W.
Scott.
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3. A word of four syllables; a quadrisyllable.
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4. (Math.) The quotient of two vectors, or of two directed
right lines in space, considered as depending on four
geometrical elements, and as expressible by an algebraic
symbol of quadrinomial form.
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Note: The science or calculus of quaternions is a new
mathematical method, in which the conception of a
quaternion is unfolded and symbolically expressed, and
is applied to various classes of algebraical,
geometrical, and physical questions, so as to discover
theorems, and to arrive at the solution of problems.
--Sir W. R. Hamilton.
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Quaternion
a band of four soldiers. Peter was committed by Herod to the
custody of four quaternions, i.e., one quaternion for each watch
of the night (Acts 12:4). Thus every precaution was taken
against his escape from prison. Two of each quaternion were in
turn stationed at the door (12:6), and to two the apostle was
chained according to Roman custom.
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