quad
- noun
- /kwɒd/
- Archaic
Synonyms
A blank area between words when writing or typing
A square metal block used in printing to make space equal to the size of the letters
A square metal block used to make space in letterpress printing
A small metal or wooden block used to make a blank space in printed text
Compounds
- Archaic
A square metal block used in printing to make space equal to the size of the letters
How Wide
Surface Forms
Etymology
Quad in printing comes from the old word quadratum, which means 'square' or 'four-sided'. A printing quad was a small square block of metal used to make space on the page, so the name links to its shape and purpose.