square-based
|square-based|
🇺🇸
/ˌskwɛrˈbeɪst/
🇬🇧
/ˌskwɛəˈbeɪst/
having a square as a base
Etymology
'square-based' originates from English, specifically the word 'square' and the element 'based' (from 'base'), where 'square' meant 'a shape with four equal sides' and 'base' meant 'bottom or foundation'.
'square' entered Middle English from Old French 'esquare' (from Late Latin roots meaning 'to make square'); 'base' came into English via Old French 'base', from Latin/Greek 'basis'; the compound 'square-based' developed in Modern English by combining 'square' + 'based'.
Initially, 'square' and 'base' had separate physical meanings; over time the compound 'square-based' came to specifically mean 'having a square base' (and by extension 'based on a square pattern').
Meanings by Part of Speech
Adjective 1
having a base that is square in shape (e.g., a solid or structure whose bottom is a square).
The square-based pyramid had four triangular faces.
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Adjective 2
built on or organized around a square pattern or framework (used of designs or layouts).
The town plan is square-based rather than radial, with streets forming a grid.
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Last updated: 2025/09/30 18:08