Definitions for quadriviumkwɒˈdrɪv i əm; kwɒˈdrɪv i ə
This page provides all possible meanings and translations of the word quadrivium
Random House Webster's College Dictionary
quad•riv•i•umkwɒˈdrɪv i əm; kwɒˈdrɪv i ə(n.)(pl.)quad•riv•i•a
(during the Middle Ages) the more advanced division of the seven liberal arts, comprising arithmetic, geometry, astronomy, and music.
Category: Western History
Ref: Compare trivium.
Origin of quadrivium:
1795–1805; < LL; L quadrivium place where four ways meet; see quadri -, via , -ium1
The higher division of the seven liberal arts in the Middle Ages, composed of geometry, astronomy, arithmetic, and music.
Origin: From quadrivium, from quattuor + via.
the four "liberal arts," arithmetic, music, geometry, and astronomy; -- so called by the schoolmen. See Trivium
The quadrivium comprised the four subjects, or arts, taught in the Renaissance Period, after teaching the trivium. The word is Latin, meaning "the four ways", and its use for the four subjects has been attributed to Boethius or Cassiodorus in the 6th century. Together, the trivium and the quadrivium comprised the seven liberal arts, as opposed to the practical arts. The quadrivium consisted of arithmetic, geometry, music, and astronomy. These followed the preparatory work of the trivium made up of grammar, logic, and rhetoric. In turn, the quadrivium was considered preparatory work for the serious study of philosophy and theology. The word "trivia" has been rarely used to refer to the trivium.
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