Quadruplet: meaning, definitions and examples
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quadruplet
[ˈkwɒdrʊplɪt ]
Definition
group of four
A quadruplet refers to a group or set of four similar or identical things, such as four siblings born at the same time. It can also refer to a set of four similar objects or entities arranged together.
Synonyms
group of four, quartet, set of four.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| quadruplet |
Commonly used in medical or familial contexts, referring to four offspring born at one birth.
|
| set of four |
Indicates a collection of four related items, often used in retail or description of objects.
|
| group of four |
A general term for any collection of four items or people.
|
| quartet |
Usually refers to four musicians or singers performing together.
|
Examples of usage
- The quadruplet of siblings all celebrated their birthday together.
- The chessboard has a quadruplet of black pawns lined up in a row.
- The four chairs form a quadruplet around the table.
Interesting Facts
Etymology
- The word comes from 'quad' meaning four and 'tuple' from Latin for small group.
- It first appeared in English around the early 20th century, expanding how we talk about groups of siblings.
- In mathematics, 'tuple' refers to a finite ordered list, so a quadruplet is the fourth type of tuple.
Science
- Quadruplets can occur naturally, though they are rare, with chances increasing due to fertility treatments.
- Not all quadruplets are identical; they can be fraternal, derived from multiple eggs fertilized at the same time.
- Survivability rates for quadruplets have improved significantly due to advanced prenatal care and medical technology.
Pop Culture
- The real-life story of the McCaughey septuplets in the late 1990s highlighted the attention quadruplets receive.
- TV shows often feature families with quadruplets, showcasing the challenges and joys of raising four children simultaneously.
- Quadruplets are sometimes the subject of documentaries focusing on familial dynamics and parenting strategies.
Psychology
- Studies indicate that being part of a multiple birth can impact individual identity and family dynamics.
- Quadruplets may experience unique social development challenges compared to singletons due to shared parental attention.
- Research suggests that multiples, including quadruplets, can have closely-knit relationships, fostering strong emotional support.
Literature
- Quadruplets have inspired various fictional works, illustrating the complexities of multiple births in storytelling.
- Authors often explore themes of identity and competition among quadruplets in narrative arcs.
- Literature occasionally features quadruplets as a technique to introduce humor or chaotic family dynamics.
Translations
Translations of the word "quadruplet" in other languages:
🇵🇹 quádruplo
🇮🇳 चौगुना
🇩🇪 Vierling
🇮🇩 empat kali lipat
🇺🇦 четвірка
🇵🇱 czwórka
🇯🇵 四つ組 (yotsugumi)
🇫🇷 quadruplet
🇪🇸 cuádruple
🇹🇷 dörtlü
🇰🇷 네 쌍둥이 (ne ssangdungi)
🇸🇦 رباعي (rubai)
🇨🇿 čtyřnásobek
🇸🇰 štvornásobok
🇨🇳 四胞胎 (sì bāo tāi)
🇸🇮 štirikratnik
🇮🇸 fjórfaldur
🇰🇿 төрттік
🇬🇪 ოთხეული (otkheuli)
🇦🇿 dördlük
🇲🇽 cuádruple