noun
quadrangle
KWAH-drang-gul/ˈkwɑːdræŋɡl/
A four-sided enclosed figure or area.
The four connected buildings enclose a grassy quadrangle.
Etymology
“Four corners” first described a geometric figure such as a rectangle or square. The name then extended to a courtyard whose surrounding buildings define that four-sided shape.
In context
the somber row of chambers which surround the quadrangle
More examples
- Students gather in the quadrangle between the campus buildings.
- These quadrangles have sides of different lengths.
- Four stone walls enclose a grassy quadrangle.
Forms
quadrangle · quadrangles
quadrangular adjective — Having four sides and four angles.
Similar words
- quadrilateral
- Usually names a geometric figure rather than a courtyard.
- courtyard
- Names an enclosed outdoor space, not necessarily four-sided.
- square
- Specifically has four equal sides and four right angles.