quad

noun

• 1short for:
• a quadrangle.
• a quadruplet (child).
• a quadriceps.
• a quad bike.
• quadraphonic sound.
• a quadriplegic.

• 2(in telephony) a group of four insulated conductors twisted together, usually forming two circuits.

  [abbreviation of quadruplex, a telegraphic device invented by Thomas Edison, by means of which four messages could be sent simultaneously over one wire]

• 3a radio antenna in the form of a square or rectangle broken in the middle of one side.

  [abbreviation of quadrilateral]

• 4a traditional roller skate.

  [quad, with reference to the four wheels]

• 5 Printing a small metal block in various sizes, lower than type height, used in letterpress printing for filling up short lines.

  [abbreviation of the late 17th-century printing term quadrat]

adjective

• short for:
• quadruple.
• quadrophonic.