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Carreau

Carreau is a French noun with several related senses tied to the idea of a small square or tile. The term derives from carré, meaning square, with the diminutive suffix -eau, and it is used across different domains to denote a distinct square piece or unit tile. In everyday use, carreau describes a ceramic or stone tile used for floors, walls, or pavements, as well as any small square element in tiling or mosaic patterns. The word also appears in textile and design contexts to refer to a checkered or plaid pattern, commonly described in French as “à carreaux.”

In playing cards, carreau is the name of the diamond suit. In French, the four suits are

As a surname, Carreau exists in French-speaking populations and can be found among families and individuals

Geographically, the form Carreau can appear in place names or organizational names in French-speaking areas, though

pique
(spades),
cœur
(hearts),
carreau
(diamonds),
and
trèfle
(clubs).
The
diamond
suit
is
traditionally
colored
red
on
most
French
playing
cards
and
is
used
in
card
games
alongside
the
other
suits.
in
regions
where
French
is
spoken
or
where
French
heritage
is
present.
The
name
may
appear
in
historical
records,
genealogies,
and
contemporary
contexts,
reflecting
its
origin
from
the
common
noun.
specific
instances
vary
by
country.
In
general
usage,
Carreau
remains
a
versatile
term
tied
to
squares,
tiles,
and
patterns,
with
a
distinct
mark
in
the
vocabulary
of
architecture,
design,
and
playing
cards.