Q

quadrillion This word signifies 10¹⁵ in North America, but 10²⁴ in most other countries. Because of this ambiguity, the term quadrillion should not be used. See also BILLION; TRILLION.

quantity Avoid such expressions as the majority of, a good deal of, a lot of, and a number of' where the words most or much will serve for the first three expressions, and one or other of a few, several, many, or numerous will convey a more definite meaning for the last.

quartz arenite, quartz diorite, quartz porphyry

quartzofeldspathic

quartz-rich granite, but the rock is quartz rich.

Québec not Quebec City

questionable When using the question mark to imply that something is questionable or uncertain, the symbol should always be placed in parentheses (?) to distinguish this usage from its normal use as a punctuation mark. The position of the symbol is also very important, and the following conventions should be observed:

questionnaire

quicksand

quite Quite is now accepted as having two opposite meanings: 'fairly, somewhat', and 'completely, totally'. In the statement: The pebbles are quite round, 'quite round' can mean 'nearly round' or 'absolutely spherical'. To make the intended meaning clear, replace quite by fairly or absolutely.