quintuplet

[ kwin-tuhp-lit, -too-plit, -tyoo-, kwin-too-plit, -tyoo- ]

noun

1. any group or combination of five, especially of the same kind.
2. quintuplets, five children or offspring born of one pregnancy.
3. one of five such children or offspring.
4. Music. a group of five notes of equal value performed in the time normally taken for four.

quintuplet

/ kwɪnˈtjuːplɪt; ˈkwɪntjʊplɪt /

noun

1. a group or set of five similar things
2. one of five offspring born at one birth Often shortened toquin
3. music a group of five notes to be played in a time value of three, four, or some other value

Word History and Origins

Origin of quintuplet¹

First recorded in 1870–75; quintuple + -et

Example Sentences

Pairs coalesce into triads, quintuplets, and suddenly the entire forest is pulsating with a common, glittering beat.

From Popular-Science

Quintole, quintuplet—a group of five notes to be performed in the time ordinarily given to four notes of the same value.

From Project Gutenberg