quadrangle

American  

[kwod-rang-guhl] / ˈkwɒdˌræŋ gəl /

noun

1. a plane figure having four angles and four sides, as a square.

2. a square or quadrangular space or court that is surrounded by a building or buildings, as on a college campus.

3. the building or buildings around such a space or court.

4. the area shown on one of the standard topographic map sheets published by the U.S. Geological Survey: approximately 17 miles (27 km) north to south and from 11 to 15 miles (17 to 24 km) east to west.

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quadrangle British  

/ kwɒˈdræŋɡjʊlə, ˈkwɒdˌræŋɡəl /

noun

1. geometry a plane figure consisting of four points connected by four lines. In a complete quadrangle , six lines connect all pairs of points

2. Often shortened to: quad.  a rectangular courtyard, esp one having buildings on all four sides

3. the building surrounding such a courtyard

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Other Word Forms

• quadrangled adjective
• quadrangular adjective

Etymology

Origin of quadrangle

1400–50; late Middle English < Late Latin quadrangulum, noun use of neuter of Latin quadrangulus, quadriangulus four-cornered. See quadr-, angle ¹

Example Sentences

Mr. Biden and the queen inspected an honor guard of grenadiers in the castle’s sun-splashed quadrangle before retiring inside for tea.

From New York Times

Mr. Biden’s visit to Windsor Castle began with a presentation of the honor guard at the Windsor Castle quadrangle.

From Washington Times

The 95-year-old monarch greeted the Bidens in the castle’s quadrangle, where she waited beneath a covered dais that shielded her from the sun.

From Seattle Times

The Queen will greet the Bidens at the dais in the castle's quadrangle.

From BBC

A handful of seated guests lined part of the quadrangle — a change from last year when only the military was present.

From Fox News