quad

quad [kwad] n. 1. short for quadrangle, the basic architectural design employed for many campus buildings, which are literally quadrangle-shaped; the term also applies to the open air quadrangle-shaped plaza often appearing in the center of such structures. *usage note: One can attend classes in a quad (the building) or attend events on a quad (the plaza). 2. the Main Quad when prefaced with a direct article, as The Quad. *ex., Looking for the Quad? Stanford has many quads, make certain you've arrived at your intended destination. 3. archaic usage, the Stanford Yearbook {collegiate and pop culture vernacular}