quadrangle

quad·ran·gle

noun \ˈkwä-ˌdraŋ-gəl\

Definition of QUADRANGLE

1

: quadrilateral

2

a : a 4-sided enclosure especially when surrounded by buildings

b : the buildings enclosing a quadrangle

3

: a tract of country represented by one of a series of map sheets

— qua·dran·gu·lar \kwä-ˈdraŋ-gyə-lər\ adjective

Examples of QUADRANGLE

1. <since the weather was sunny, the convocation was held outside in the college's quadrangle>

Origin of QUADRANGLE

Middle English, from Middle French, from Late Latin quadriangulum, from Latin, neuter of quadriangulus quadrangular, from quadri- + angulus angle

First Known Use: 15th century

Related to QUADRANGLE

Synonyms

close, courtyard, enclosure (also inclosure), patio, quad, court, yard

Related Words

atrium, galleria, parvis (also parvise), peristyle; forecourt, place, plaza, square; deck, terrace; curtilage

Other Mathematics and Statistics Terms

abscissa, denominator, divisor, equilateral, exponent, hypotenuse, logarithm, oblique, radii, rhomb

Rhymes with QUADRANGLE

embrangle, entangle, face angle, pentangle, rectangle, right angle, round angle, straight angle, triangle, untangle, wide-angle

quadrangle

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Rectangular open space completely or partially enclosed by buildings of an academic or civic character. The grounds of a quadrangle are often grassy or landscaped. Such an area, intended as an environment for contemplation, study, or relaxation, was a feature of monastic establishments and the colleges that evolved from them. The quadrangular layout at New College in Oxford University (completed 1386), with its partially connected buildings, was enormously influential in subsequent collegiate building.