[1765–75; quadri- + literal]This word is first recorded in the period 1765–75. Other words that entered Englishat around the same time include: bilateral, bonus, civilization, lightweight, pile driverquadri- is a combining form meaning “four,” used in the formation of compound words. Otherwords that use the affix quadri- include: quadraphonic, quadricentennial, quadriga, quadriplegia, quadrivalent