ˈskwädrən also -wȯd- noun
( -s )
Etymology: Italian squadrone body of soldiers arranged in square formation, squadron, aug. of squadra squad, from Old Italian
1. : a unit of military organization:
a. : a cavalry unit that is higher than a troop and lower than a regiment — compare battalion
b. : a unit of naval administrative and tactical organization that consists of two or more divisions and sometimes additional vessels
c.
(1) : an aviation unit (as of the United States Air Force) higher than a flight and lower than a group and composed of a headquarters and two or more flights
(2) : a military flight formation
2. : a relatively large group of individuals
since the war a squadron of younger symphonists has arisen — Score
squadrons of birds wheel overhead — American Guide Series: Florida
3. obsolete : a division of a town or community or district in New England
4. : a unit of at least five air explorers of the Boy Scouts