quadrate

American  

[kwod-rit, -reyt, kwod-reyt] / ˈkwɒd rɪt, -reɪt, ˈkwɒd reɪt /

adjective

1. square or rectangular.

2. Zoology. of or relating to the quadrate.

3. Heraldry. (of a cross) having an enlarged square at the junction of the limbs.

   a cross quadrate.

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noun

1. a square.

2. something square or rectangular.

3. Zoology. one of a pair of bones in the skulls of many lower vertebrates, to which the lower jaw is articulated.

verb (used with object)

quadrated, quadrating

1. to cause to conform or harmonize; adapt.

verb (used without object)

quadrated, quadrating

1. to agree; conform.

quadrate British  

noun

1. a cube, square, or a square or cubelike object

2. one of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds that articulates with the lower jaw. In mammals it forms the incus

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adjective

1. of or relating to this bone

2. square or rectangular

verb

1. (tr) to make square or rectangular

2. (often foll by with) to conform or cause to conform

Other Word Forms

• subquadrate adjective

Etymology

Origin of quadrate

1350–1400; Middle English quadrat (noun and adj.) < Latin quadrātus (past participle of quadrāre to make square)

Example Sentences

Foxes pause ghostlike on the permafrost.With one quadrate eye, the vault reflects a frigid blue sea.

From Scientific American • Jun. 14, 2022

Kemp, T. S. Acoustic transformer function of the postdentary bones and quadrate of a nonmammalian cynodont.

From Nature • Nov. 12, 2017

The malleus originated from the articular bone, whereas the incus originated from the quadrate bone.

From Textbooks • Jan. 1, 2015

In fishes it braced the articulation of the lower and upper jaws, the quadrate and articular bones.

From Slate • Jan. 27, 2014

This movable bone unites with parts of the palate and the face, and is known as the quadrate bone.

From Dragons of the Air An Account of Extinct Flying Reptiles by Seeley, H. G.