1 quadrate | Definition of quadrate
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quadrate

adjective
quad·​rate | \ ˈkwä-ˌdrāt How to pronounce quadrate (audio) , -drət\

Definition of quadrate

 (Entry 1 of 2)

1 : being square or approximately square
2 of a heraldic cross : expanded into a square at the junction of the arms — see cross illustration
3 : of, relating to, or constituting a bony or cartilaginous element of each side of the skull to which the lower jaw is articulated in most vertebrates below mammals

quadrate

noun

Definition of quadrate (Entry 2 of 2)

1 : an approximately square or cubical area, space, or body
2 : a quadrate bone
Synonyms Did You Know? Example Sentences Learn More about quadrate

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Synonyms for quadrate

Synonyms: Adjective

foursquare, square

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Did You Know?

Adjective

Sharp-eyed readers may recognize the "quad" in "quadrate," suggesting the number four. "Quadrate" is in fact a relative of Latin quattuor, meaning "four," though its direct line of descent links to quadrum, meaning "square." Other descendants of "quadrum" in English include "quadrille" (a square dance for four couples), "quarrel" (a square-headed bolt or arrow), and "quarry" (a place where large amounts of stone are dug out of the ground); the latter of these can be traced back to a Latin word meaning "squared stone." "Quadrate," incidentally, can also be used in much more specific senses to describe a type of heraldic cross or a portion of the skull in some vertebrates.

Examples of quadrate in a Sentence

Adjective

 the four museum buildings surround a quadrate courtyard that is formally landscaped

First Known Use of quadrate

Adjective

14th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Noun

15th century, in the meaning defined at sense 1

History and Etymology for quadrate

Adjective

Middle English, from Latin quadratus, past participle of quadrare to make square, fit, from quadrum square; akin to Latin quattuor four

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Rhyming Dictionary: Words that rhyme with quadrate

Thesaurus: All synonyms and antonyms for quadrate

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