square

square ► NOUN 1) a plane figure with four equal straight sides and four right angles. 2) an open, typically four-sided, area surrounded by buildings. 3) an area within a military barracks or camp used for drill. 4) the product of a number multiplied by itself. 5) an L-shaped or T-shaped instrument used for obtaining or testing right angles. 6) informal an old-fashioned or boringly conventional person.

► ADJECTIVE 1) having the shape of a square. 2) having or forming a right angle. 3) referring to a unit of measurement equal to the area of a square whose side is of the unit specified. 4) (after a noun ) denoting the length of each side of a square shape or object: the room was ten metres square. 5) at right angles. 6) level or parallel. 7) broad and solid in shape. 8) fair and honest. 9) informal old-fashioned or boringly conventional.

► ADVERB ▪ directly; straight.

► VERB 1) make square or rectangular. 2) (squared) marked out in squares. 3) multiply (a number) by itself. 4) (square with) make or be compatible. 5) settle (a bill or debt). 6) make the score of (a match or game) even. 7) informal secure the co-operation of (someone) by offering an inducement. 8) bring (one's shoulders) into a position in whi ch they appear square and broad.

● back to square one — Cf. ↑back to square one

● square the circle — Cf. ↑square the circle

● a square deal — Cf. ↑a square deal

● a square peg in a round hole — Cf. ↑a square peg in a round hole

● square up — Cf. ↑square up

DERIVATIVES squareness noun squarer noun squarish adjective.

ORIGIN Old French esquare, from Latin quadra 'square' .