square (skwâr)

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[Middle English, from Old French esquarre, from Vulgar Latin* exquadra, from * exquadrāre, to square, Latin ex-, ex-, + quadrāre, to give a square shape to (from quadrum, a square; see k^wetwer-).]

noun 

1. A plane figure having four equal sides.
2. Something having an equal-sided rectangular form: a square of cloth.
3. A T-shaped or L-shaped instrument for drawing or testing right angles.
4. Mathematics The product obtained when a number or quantity is multiplied by itself: 49 is the square of 7.
5. Games Any of the quadrilateral spaces on a board, as in chess.
6. 1. An open, usually four-sided area at the intersection of two or more streets, often planted with grass and trees for use as a park.
   2. A rectangular space enclosed by streets and occupied by buildings; a block.
7. Slang A person who is regarded as dull, rigidly conventional, and out of touch with current trends.
8. Slang A square meal. Often used in the plural: three squares a day.

adjective: squar·er, squar·est. 

1. Having four equal sides and four right angles.
2. Forming a right angle.
3. 1. Expressed in units measuring area: square feet.
   2. Having a specified length in each of two equal dimensions: a room that is 12 feet square.
4. Having a base that is a square: a square pyramid.
5. Nautical Set at right angles to the mast and keel. Used of the yards of a square-rigged ship.
6. Approximately rectangular and equilateral in cross section: a square house.
7. Characterized by blocklike solidity or sturdiness.
8. Honest; direct: a square answer.
9. Just; equitable: a square deal.
10. Having all accounts settled; even.
11. Sports Even; tied.
12. Slang Rigidly conventional; dull.

verb: squared, squar·ing, squares. 

transitive verb 

1. To cut to a square or rectangular shape.
2. To test for conformity to a desired plane, straight line, or right angle.
3. To mark into squares. Often used with off.
4. 1. To bring into conformity or agreement: She could not square the request with her principles.
   2. To bring (oneself) into a better position or relation: He tried to square himself with his parents.
5. To set straight or at approximate right angles: square one's cap.
6. To bring into balance; settle: square a debt.
7. Sports To even the score of: to square a game.
8. Mathematics
   1. To raise (a number or quantity) to the second power.
   2. To find a square equal in area to (the area of a given figure).
9. Informal To bribe or fix: a party in litigation that tried to square the judge.

intransitive verb 

1. Mathematics To be at right angles.
2. To agree or conform: a story that doesn't square with the facts.

adverb 

1. Mathematics At right angles.
2. In a square shape.
3. In a solid manner; firmly.
4. Directly; straight: ran square into each other.
5. In an honest, straightforward manner.

phrasal verbs

square away

Nautical To square the yards of a sailing vessel.

To put away or in order.

square off

To assume a fighting stance; prepare to fight.

square up

To settle a bill or debt.

idioms

on the square

Mathematics At right angles. Honestly and openly: has always dealt on the square.

out of square

Mathematics Not at exact right angles. Not in agreement.

square peg in a round hole

A misfit.

derivatives

squaréness

noun

squaŕer

noun