quadrate

[ adjective noun kwod-rit, -reyt; verb kwod-reyt ]

adjective

1. square or rectangular.
2. Zoology. of or relating to the quadrate.
3. Heraldry. (of a cross) having an enlarged square at the junction of the limbs:

   a cross quadrate.

noun

1. a square.
2. something square or rectangular.
3. Zoology. one of a pair of bones in the skulls of many lower vertebrates, to which the lower jaw is articulated.

verb (used with object)

, quad·rat·ed, quad·rat·ing.

1. to cause to conform or harmonize; adapt.

verb (used without object)

, quad·rat·ed, quad·rat·ing.

1. to agree; conform.

quadrate

noun

1. a cube, square, or a square or cubelike object
2. one of a pair of bones of the upper jaw of fishes, amphibians, reptiles, and birds that articulates with the lower jaw. In mammals it forms the incus

adjective

1. of or relating to this bone
2. square or rectangular

verb

1. tr to make square or rectangular
2. often foll by with to conform or cause to conform

Other Words From

• sub·quadrate adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadrate¹

1350–1400; Middle English quadrat (noun and adj.) < Latin quadrātus (past participle of quadrāre to make square)

Word History and Origins

Origin of quadrate¹

C14: from Latin quadrāre to make square

Example Sentences

And so is the square H quadrate made in the circle assigned, as the conclusion willeth.

From Project Gutenberg

The middle segment becomes in mammals the incus (one of the ear-ossicles), and in birds the quadrate.

From Project Gutenberg

The hyoid is at first connected with the skull, 140but afterwards frees itself and becomes slung to the "quadrate."

From Project Gutenberg

This movable bone unites with parts of the palate and the face, and is known as the quadrate bone.

From Project Gutenberg

With these conditions of the quadrate bone are associated cold blood, terrestrial life, and young developed from eggs.

From Project Gutenberg