- q-
- 1. a symbol for the Latin quaque, "every," often used in medical prescriptions and orders. The symbol is used in combinations such as q8h, "every 8 hours," or q2d, "every other day."2. a former German prefix meaning quadrat-, "square," seen in combinations such as qm (Quadratmeter or square meter) and qkm (Quadratkilometer or square kilometer). The SI does not allow use of this symbol; it is rarely used in current works but often seen in older documents.
Dictionary of units of measurement. 2015.