quad

Definition

Clipping of quadrat.

Etymology

Shortened, via clipping or abbreviation, from various English terms. Ultimately related to Latin quattuor (“4”); compare quadri-, quadruple. The typography senses are from the abbreviation quad. for obsolete quadrat; the keyboard command comes from the verb sense.

Example Sentences

• "“Quadrats, sir. We call 'em quads.” […] Quads are the spaces left between the paragraphs that come white on the paper. If you look here, at this page that is set-up, you will see that they are deeper than the spaces left between the words and letters—regular little trenches."
• "Horizontal spacing is further divided into multiples and fractions of the em. The multiples are called quads. The fractions are called spaces."
• "Other larger spaces – known as quads – were used to space out lines."