quadruple

Quadruple is a term used across disciplines to denote fourfold quantity or four times as much. As an adjective, it describes something that is four times as large or numerous as another thing. As a noun, it can refer to a group of four items or to the number four itself in a given context. As a verb, to quadruple means to multiply by four.

Etymology and usage notes: The word derives from Latin quattuor, meaning four. It is used with various parts of speech in English, and is related to the prefix quadri- or quad- that denotes four in compound terms.

Mathematics, science, and technology: In arithmetic, the quadruple of a number is four times that number. In calculus and areas that employ multiple integrals, a quadruple integral denotes a fourth-order integral over four variables. In computing, quadruple precision refers to a 128-bit floating-point representation, used for higher numerical accuracy. In chemistry and physics, the term appears in contexts such as quadruple bonds (extremely rare) and in astronomy, quadruple star systems, where four stars are gravitationally bound.

Sports and other uses: In sports journalism, a quadruple may refer to winning four major trophies in a single season, often including domestic league and cup plus international titles; definitions vary by sport. The term is also used more broadly to describe any set of four related items or events, such as a quadruple composition in data organization or a quadruple-grouping in other disciplines.

Overall, quadruple functions as a flexible descriptor for fourfold quantity, with specialized meanings in mathematics, computing, science, and competitive contexts.