A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z word definition qibla n. Qiblah (قبلة, also transliterated as Kiblah) is an Arabic word for the direction that should be faced when a Muslim prays during Salah. Most mosques contain a niche in a wall that indicates the qiblah. quadrennial adj. Occurring every four years. quaestor n. Any of a number of officials who had charge of public revenue and expenditure. qualia n. The elemental feelings and sensations making up conscious experience (seeing a face, hearing a tone, feeling angry). quant n. Is a person who is mathematical by training or inclination and applies various numerical approaches in analyzing or trading securities or markets. quaternion 1. n. Quaternions, in mathematics, are a non-commutative number system that extends the complex numbers. The quaternions were first described by Irish mathematician Sir William Rowan Hamilton in 1843 and applied to mechanics in three-dimensional space. 2. n. A group or set of four people or things; A four-dimensional hypercomplex number that consists of a real dimension and 3 imaginary ones (i, j, k) that are each a square root of -1. They are commonly used in vector mathematics and three-dimensional games. qubit n. In quantum computing, a qubit or quantum bit is a unit of quantum information–the quantum analogue of the classical bit–with additional dimensions associated to the quantum properties of a physical atom. quern n. A simple hand mill for grinding grain, typically consisting of two circular stones, the upper of which is rotated or rubbed to and fro on the lower one. qui tam n. In common law, a writ of qui tam is a writ whereby a private individual who assists a prosecution can receive all or part of any penalty imposed. quidditch n. A fictional Wizarding sport played in the Harry Potter book series. quidnunc n. From the Latin words quid nunc "what now," meaning "what's the news," refers to someone who attempts to know all that happens, but who is not careful of the facts. A gossip. quince n. Small Asian tree with pinkish flowers and pear-shaped fruit; widely cultivated. quintessence 1. n. The fifth and highest element after air and earth and fire and water; was believed to be the substance composing all heavenly bodies. 2. n. The purest and most concentrated essence of something. 3. n. The most typical example or representative of a type. quire 1. n. One-twentieth of a ream of paper; a collection of twenty-four or twenty-five sheets of paper of the same size and quality, unfolded or having a single fold. 2. n. A set of leaves which are stitched together. quoits n. A game in which iron rings (or open iron rings) are thrown at a stake in the ground in the hope of encircling it. quondam adj. That formerly was or existed; former.