ruudud

Ruudud is the plural form of the Estonian noun ruut, meaning "square." As a term it appears across several contexts where square shapes or square units are relevant, including geometry, design, textiles, board games and grid-based systems.

In mathematics and geometry, ruudud denotes multiple squares as plane figures bounded by four equal straight sides and four right angles, and is used in elementary instruction when discussing area, tiling and square numbers. In visual design and textiles, ruudud commonly describes square patterns such as checkered, plaid or gingham motifs; the word is used when referring to repeated square elements in fabrics, wallpapers and graphic layouts. In games and mapping, ruudud may refer to the individual cells of a board or grid—chessboards, game boards and schematic maps are often described in terms of their ruudud. The term is also applied informally to the rectangular pixels or tiles in digital displays and user interfaces when a square grid is emphasized.

As a common noun in Estonian, ruudud can appear in compound expressions and idioms related to grids and regular patterns. It may also occur as part of proper names or titles, though such uses are context-dependent. The word’s usage is largely descriptive and grounded in the visual and spatial qualities of square forms.