Quint Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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quint

[kwɪnt ]

Definition

Context #1 | Noun

number, group

A quint is a group or set of five similar things or people. This term is commonly used in various contexts, including music, mathematics, and social sciences. In a musical context, it can refer to a harmony that consists of five notes. Quint can also signify a quintuplet in mathematics, which consists of five elements or quantities. Overall, it denotes the number five or a collection involving five components.

Synonyms

five, group of five, quintuplet.

Examples of usage

  • The musicians played a quint for the grand event.
  • She formed a quint with her four closest friends.
  • In mathematics, a quint of numbers was analyzed.

Translations

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

Interesting Facts

Mathematics

  • In mathematics, quint can denote a five-dimensional space used in advanced geometry.
  • There are five Platonic solids, known as the quintet of regular shapes in three-dimensional space.
  • In probability, quint refers to a combination of five numbers, often used in conjunction with games of chance.

Cultural References

  • The term is used in classical literature when describing five-part structures in poetry.
  • Popular in music, where a quintet often refers to a group of five musicians playing together.
  • Film and television sometimes showcase quintuplets, emphasizing themes of family and uniqueness.

Science

  • In biology, organisms that give birth to five offspring at once can be referred to as quintuplets.
  • Chemistry sometimes describes five atoms making up the structure of a certain compound as a quintet.
  • In astronomy, quintuple star systems exist, which consist of five stars gravitationally bound to each other.

Origin of 'quint'

Main points about word origin

  • The word comes from the Latin 'quintus,' meaning 'fifth.'
  • It has been used in the English language since the late 14th century.
  • Additionally, 'quint' can refer to a particular type of musical interval in music theory.

The term 'quint' originates from the Latin word 'quintus', which means 'fifth'. This Latin term evolved through various languages over the centuries, maintaining its association with the number five. The usage of 'quint' has been recorded in English since the 14th century, particularly in musical contexts, where it referred to the fifth note in a scale. Over time, 'quint' has expanded in use, encompassing a variety of contexts such as mathematics, social structures, and music, where it designates groups of five entities.