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Quarto Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quarto

[ˈkwɔːtəʊ ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

book size

A quarto is a book size that is approximately 9 x 12 inches, or one-fourth the size of a standard sheet of paper.

Synonyms

duodecimo, folio, octavo.

Examples of usage

  • The novel was published in quarto format, making it easy to carry around and read on the go.
  • The quarto edition of the play included detailed illustrations to enhance the reader's experience.
Context #2 | Noun

architectural term

In architecture, a quarto refers to a square-shaped room or space, often used for meetings or gatherings.

Synonyms

chamber, hall, salon.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
quarto

Typically refers to the size of a book or pamphlet when a full sheet of paper is folded into four leaves (eight pages). Used in literary or publishing contexts.

  • The library acquired a rare quarto edition of Shakespeare's plays.
  • The quarto format was popular for printing plays and poetry in the 17th century.
chamber

An enclosed space or room, often used for private or official purposes. Can also refer to a legislative or judicial assembly.

  • The king held a private meeting in his chamber.
  • The upper chamber of the parliament debated the new bill for hours.
hall

A large room or building used for events, gatherings, or public activities. Often found in schools, churches, and public venues.

  • The wedding reception was held in a grand hall.
  • Students gathered in the assembly hall for the school play.
salon

A formal room in a house used for entertaining guests. Also can refer to a regular social gathering of artists, writers, and intellectuals.

  • The artist hosted an exhibition in her salon.
  • In the 18th century, intellectuals often gathered in Parisian salons to discuss literature and philosophy.

Examples of usage

  • The conference room was a spacious quarto with large windows overlooking the city skyline.
  • The hotel lobby featured a cozy quarto where guests could relax and socialize.

Translations

To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.

Interesting Facts

Publishing

  • Quarto format allows for larger text and illustrations, making it a preferred choice for novels, art books, and scholarly texts.
  • Famous works, such as the plays of Shakespeare, were printed in quarto format, highlighting its historical significance in literature.

History

  • Before the quarto, books were primarily produced in folio size, where a single sheet is folded once, creating larger pages.
  • The introduction of printing technology in the 1400s led to the emergence of various book sizes, including quarto, catering to different audiences.

Arts

  • In the arts, artists have sometimes used not just pages but also quarto-sized canvases for sketches and smaller works.
  • The quarto format has influenced the organization of visual art books, making them more accessible and collectible.

Contemporary Usage

  • In modern publishing, quarto is less common than other formats like trade or paperback, but still found in special editions.
  • Digital formats often replicate the quarto arrangement for eBooks, maintaining the layout from printed versions.

Origin of 'quarto'

Main points about word origin

  • The term 'quarto' comes from the Latin word 'quartus', meaning 'fourth', reflecting the way the paper is folded.
  • Quarto books became popular in the 16th century, allowing for larger and more readable pages compared to earlier formats.

The word 'quarto' originated from Latin, where 'quartus' means 'fourth'. In the context of book sizes, it refers to a book that is approximately one-fourth the size of a standard sheet of paper. The term has been used in the printing and publishing industry for centuries to describe a particular book format. In architecture, 'quarto' has been used to designate square-shaped rooms or spaces, reflecting its original Latin meaning of 'fourth' in relation to the corners of a square. Overall, 'quarto' is a versatile term that has found its way into various fields and continues to be relevant in modern usage.

See also: quart, quarter, quartet.

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #16,547, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.