Polynomial (or Volterra) filters are introduced, and the quadratic filters are presented as the simplest example of such filters. The principle aspects and properties of quadratic filters are derived in the framework of the discrete Volterra expansion. Fixed as well as adaptive filters are considered in one-dimensional and multidimensional environments. Such issues as design and efficient realizations are thoroughly addressed, and standard and advanced adaptation algorithms are presented. Several examples of signal processing applications requiring quadratic filters are discussed. >