quad

¹ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

Informal.

1. a quadrangle as on a college campus.

   The downpour started before we were halfway across the quad.

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quad ² American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

1. Also called quadrat.  a piece of type metal of less height than the lettered types, serving to cause a blank in printed matter, used for spacing.

   a wooden box of assorted quads.

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verb (used with object)

quadded, quadding

1. to space out (matter) by means of quads.

   You'll need to quad this column tightly—the editor's letter is running a little long.

quad ³ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

Informal.

1. a quadruplet.

   Can you believe how tiny those quads are?

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quad ⁴ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

adjective

1. quadraphonic.

   I remember when my quad turntable was the hottest new thing in record players.

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noun

1. quadraphonic sound, or an electronic system for reproducing it.

   The recording sounded best in quad.

quad ⁵ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

adjective

1. designating or comprising four persons or things.

   rates for quad occupancy; a quad-level house.

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noun

1. Informal. quadruple occupancy.

   Rates are based on quad.

quad ⁶ American  

[kwod] / kwɒd /

noun

Informal.

1. quadriplegic.

   a special ward for quads.

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quad ⁷ American  

noun

Informal.

1. quadricep.

   Flex the right quad and push your weight toward the right heel.

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quad ⁸ American  

noun

Informal.

1. quadcopter.

   These affordable quads are a boon to both amateur and professional photographers.

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quad. ⁹ American  

abbreviation

1. quadrangle.

2. quadrant.

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quad ¹ British  

/ kwɒd /

adjective

1. short for quadraphonic or quadraphonics See quadraphonic

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noun

1. anatomy short for quadriceps

quad. ² British  

abbreviation

1. quadrangle

2. quadrilateral

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quad ³ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. short for quadrangle

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quad ⁴ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. printing a block of type metal used for spacing

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quad ⁵ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. a variant spelling of quod

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quad ⁶ British  

/ kwɒd /

noun

1. short for quadruplet

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Other Word Forms

• unquadded adjective

Etymology

Origin of quad¹

First recorded in 1810–20; by shortening

Origin of quad²

First recorded in 1875–80; shortening of quadrat

Origin of quad³

First recorded in 1895–1900; by shortening

Origin of quad⁴

First recorded in 1970–75; by shortening

Origin of quad⁵

First recorded in 1880–85; shortening of quadruple or words formed with quadri-

Origin of quad⁶

First recorded in 1970–75; by shortening

Origin of quad⁷

First recorded in 1955–60; by shortening

Origin of quad⁸

First recorded in 2010–15; by shortening

Example Sentences

On Friday, the Bruins will host No. 18 Iowa, No. 19 Ohio State and No. 25 Maryland, their toughest competition since their last quad meet, where they placed third behind Oklahoma and Louisiana State.

From Los Angeles Times

But the 18-year-old's medal hopes were all but dashed on her first routine as she attempted a quad toe loop but fell.

From BBC

The man known as the “quad god” was a heavy favorite and showed up for his own free program with a lead.

From The Wall Street Journal

In the second half of the competition, Petrosian is planning to unleash two quads on a night when nobody else is lining up even one.

From The Wall Street Journal

Heading into the free skate section in the lead, Malinin capitulated, fluffing his signature quad axel jump and falling twice to the ice to plummet to eighth spot overall.

From Barron's