Squaring Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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squaring

[ˈskweə.rɪŋ ]

Definition

Context #1 | Verb

mathematics operation

Squaring refers to the mathematical operation of multiplying a number by itself. This operation results in a square number, which is the area of a square with sides of that length. Squaring is a fundamental operation in algebra and is often used in various mathematical expressions and equations. It appears frequently in geometry, physics, and statistics, where it may describe variance among other concepts.

Synonyms

multiplying by itself, raising to power.

Examples of usage

  • The square of 3 is 9.
  • When squaring the number 5, you get 25.
  • To find the area, we need to square the length of the side.

Translations

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Origin of 'squaring'

The term 'squaring' derives from the term 'square', which originated from the Old French word 'esquarre' and Latin word 'quadratum', meaning 'a square' or 'to form a square'. This is fitting, as the concept of squaring relates to the geometric shape of a square, which has equal sides and equal angles. The term has been used in mathematics since the Middle Ages when algebra became a formal discipline. Squaring as an action of taking a number and multiplying it by itself expanded in usage as algebraic concepts evolved. By the 19th century, the operation of squaring numbers was well established in mathematical textbooks and education, and it remains a fundamental operation in mathematics studies today.


Word Frequency Rank

Positioned at #24,391, this word is part of extensive vocabulary. It's relatively rare in general usage but may be important in specific fields or formal writing.