quad

 
Pronunciation: /kwɒd/

noun

  • 1 informal short for:
  • a quadrangle.
  • a quadruplet (child).
  • a quadriceps.
  • a quad bike.
  • quadraphony.
  • 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 aerial in the form of a square or rectangle broken in the middle of one side.
    [abbreviation of quadrilateral]
  • 4 informal a traditional four-wheeled roller skate.
  • 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

informal
  • quadruple or quadraphonic.