[quad.rate] adj [ME, fr. L quadratus, pp. of quadrare to make square, fit, fr. quadrum square; akin to L quattuor four] (14c) 1: being square or approximately square
2. of a heraldic cross: expanded into a square at the junction of the arms--see cross illustration
3: of, relating to, or constituting a bony or cartilaginous element of each side of the skull to which the lower jaw is articulated in most vertebrates below mammals
[2]quadrate n (15c) 1: an approximately square or cubical area, space, or body
2: a quadrate bone