Skip to main content
Glite Dictionary
🌱 A sampling frame 🔲 A spacing block
quadrat

quadrat

9.9
A small metal or wooden block used to make a blank space in printed text
  • noun
  • /ˈkwɒdrət/
  • Archaic
translation icon : cuadrado
  • The printer used a quadrat to create a space in the text.

Examples

  • Each quadrat was carefully positioned to ensure even spacing in the final print.

  • He learned how to use a quadrat while training as a traditional typesetter.

  • The printer placed a quadrat between the lines to separate the paragraphs clearly.

  • Can you pass me the quadrat from the table?

  • The printer placed a quadrat between the lines to separate the paragraphs clearly.

  • Each quadrat was carefully positioned to ensure even spacing in the final print.

  • He learned how to use a quadrat while training as a traditional typesetter.

Synonyms

quad
vsquadrat
  • Archaic
5 9.6

A small metal block used to make space between words or lines in printing

is broader including wooden pieces and other blocks for creating blank areas
spacer
vsquadrat
  • Specialized
1 4.8

A thin piece that creates empty space between items in a design

is specific to letterpress blocks rather than thin or digital spacing elements
mutton quad
vsquadrat
  • Archaic
9.9

A square metal block used to make space in letterpress printing

is the general space making piece not limited to square size or metal only

Surface Forms

quadrat singular
quadrats plural

Etymology

Quadrat comes from the Latin quadratus 'square', the same root as quad and quadrant. In printing, a quadrat was a small square block placed between letters or lines to make a blank space, so the origin explains its square shape and its use as a little space-maker.