quadrangle
/ˈkwɒdraŋɡ(ə)l
/noun
1 Geometry A four-sided plane figure, especially a square or rectangle.You can make rectangles, octagons, septagons, or quadrangles… Or you can make ovals as we did....
- In contrast, triangles and quadrangles appear in the middle.
- This quadrangle is about to become a pentagram.
2A square or rectangular space or courtyard enclosed by buildings.Exit at the west wing… it's the building across the quadrangle....
- Buildings around the quadrangle would be primarily for research.
- Johen waved a hand at the quadrangle of low buildings in front of them, set around a cobbled yard.
Synonyms
courtyard, quad, court, cloister, precinct, square, plaza, piazza, enclosure, close
Origin
Late Middle English: from Old French, or from late Latin quadrangulum 'square', neuter of quadrangulus, from Latin quadri- 'four' + angulus 'corner, angle'.
Latin quattuor ‘four’ and angulus ‘corner, angle’ are the base elements of quadrangle. The quadri- and quadru- in many English words also mean ‘four’ as in quadrant (Middle English), and from mid 17th century come quadratic; quadrilateral; and quadruped.