\Quo"tient\, n. [F., fr. L. quoties how often, how many times, fr. quot how many. See {Quota}.] 1. (Arith.) The number resulting from the division of one number by another, and showing how often a less number is contained in a greater; thus, the quotient of twelve divided by four is three. 2. (Higher Alg.) The result of any process inverse to multiplication. See the Note under {Multiplication}.
The number obtained by dividing one number (the "numerator") by another (the "denominator"). If both numbers are rational then the result will also be rational.
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