biquadrate: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
Very rare / ObsoleteTechnical / Archaic / Historical mathematical
Quick answer
What does “biquadrate” mean?
(noun) The fourth power of a number.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
(noun) The fourth power of a number; a number raised to the exponent 4.
A term primarily used in historical and specialised mathematical contexts to refer to a number multiplied by itself three times (x⁴). It can also function as a verb meaning to raise a number to the fourth power.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No substantive difference; the term is equally archaic and technical in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes a 17th-19th century mathematical style.
Frequency
Extremely low frequency in both. Any modern use would be self-consciously archaic or in a discussion of historical mathematics.
Grammar
How to Use “biquadrate” in a Sentence
the biquadrate of [NUMBER]to biquadrate [NUMBER]Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “biquadrate” in a Sentence
verb
British English
- To solve the problem, you must first biquadrate the variable.
American English
- The formula requires you to biquadrate the initial value.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Not used.
Academic
Rarely used, only in historical studies of mathematics.
Everyday
Not used.
Technical
Possible but highly dated in pure mathematics or older engineering texts.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “biquadrate”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “biquadrate”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “biquadrate”
- Using it in modern contexts where 'fourth power' is expected.
- Pronouncing it as /baɪˈkwɒd.reɪt/ in British English (the final syllable is typically /-rət/).
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, it is considered an archaic term. The standard modern phrasing is 'fourth power' or simply using the exponent notation (x⁴).
A square is a number raised to the second power (x²). A biquadrate is a number raised to the fourth power (x⁴), which is the square of a square.
Yes, though extremely rare. It means to raise a number to the fourth power, e.g., 'Biquadrate the integer.'
In English translations of historical mathematical works from the 17th to 19th centuries, such as those of Euler or earlier algebraists.
(noun) The fourth power of a number.
Biquadrate is usually technical / archaic / historical mathematical in register.
Biquadrate: in British English it is pronounced /baɪˈkwɒd.rət/, and in American English it is pronounced /baɪˈkwɑː.dreɪt/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think: 'BI' (two) + 'QUADRATE' (square). A biquadrate is like squaring something twice (x², then (x²)² = x⁴).
Conceptual Metaphor
POWER AS REPETITION OF OPERATIONS (squaring the square).
Practice
Quiz
What is the biquadrate of 2?