quota
UK: ˈkwəʊtə | US: ˈkwoʊtə
n. a fixed share or portion assigned to someone
n. a limited quantity of something permitted or allocated
n. (historical) a proportional tax or contribution
quota = quot<how many> + a<noun suffix>
- quot<how many>: From Latin quotus ("how many" or "of what number"), derived from quot ("how many").
- a<noun suffix>: A Latin feminine singular ending, often used to form nouns indicating a share or portion.
Etymology Origin:
The word quota traces back to Latin quota pars ("how large a part"), reflecting its original use in proportional division. It entered English in the early 17th century via Medieval Latin, where it denoted a share or tax. Over time, it broadened to signify any fixed allocation, retaining its core logic of measurable division.
The company imposed a strict quota on daily production.
Each team member must meet their sales quota by the end of the month.
The fishing quota aims to protect endangered species.
Immigration quotas were heavily debated in the policy meeting.
She exceeded her volunteer hour quota for the semester.