perfect square

noun

, Mathematics.

1. a rational number that is equal to the square of another rational number.
2. a polynomial that is the square of another polynomial.

Word History and Origins

Origin of perfect square¹

First recorded in 1935–40

Example Sentences

I'd also stack all of the bacon on the center of another plate, arranging the pieces into a perfect square, and then filling the middle of that center square with fresh fruit.

From Salon

“We call it that because it’s a perfect square,” Schoos said.

From Los Angeles Times

Nestled high in the lush green canopy in the northwest corner at the back of the outdoor space and accessible via a spiral staircase straight out of the ‘70s, the Treehouse looks out over the verdant expanse, the koi pond, a fire pit and one of the other two private cabanas: a glass and white-curtained cube called the Think Tank that sits almost smack in the middle of the courtyard. “We call it that because it’s a perfect square,” Schoos said.

From Los Angeles Times

Then she laid the square template on top and cut the whole thing into a perfect square.

From Literature

The 16-game regular season was the Platonic ideal of professional sports scheduling for 43 years, in part because the number 16 itself is a neatly divisible, perfect square of almost fearful symmetry.

From New York Times