quarter-point
UK[ˈkwɔːtə pɔɪnt]US[ˈkwɔːrtər pɔɪnt]
n
A unit of measurement equal to one quarter of one percent (0.25%), used especially in finance to describe changes in interest rates or bond yields.
Morpheme Breakdown
quarter
point
quarter
one fourth
point
unit
Etymology
The term is a modern financial compound, fusing two words with ancient lineages. "Quarter" originates from the Latin quartus, meaning "fourth," which itself derives from the Proto-Indo-European root kʷetwer-, the source for the number four. "Point" stems from the Latin punctum, meaning a prick or a dot, from the verb pungere (to prick), a concept extending to a precise location or unit. In financial jargon, "point" evolved to denote a standard unit of change (often 1%), making "quarter-point" a logical and precise term for a change of one-fourth of that fundamental unit, perfectly illustrating how classical roots combine to create specialized modern vocabulary.
Analysis
Structure: quarter (one fourth) + point (unit)
quarter: From Latin quartarius (a fourth part), via Old French quartier. In this compound, it functions as a numerical quantifier meaning "one fourth."
point: From Latin punctum (a small hole, a point), via Old French point. In this compound, it functions as a noun meaning a unit of measurement or value.
Examples
The Federal Reserve raised interest rates by a quarter-point to combat inflation.
The bond's yield fell three quarter-points after the economic report was released.
Analysts expect a quarter-point cut at the next central bank meeting.