quartet
UK: kwɔːˈtet | US: kwɔːrˈtet
n. a group of four musicians or singers performing together
n. a composition written for four performers
n. any group or set of four
quartet = quart<four> + et<diminutive suffix>
- quart (from Latin quartus, meaning "fourth" or "four")
- et (a diminutive suffix of French origin, often used to form nouns indicating small groups or versions)
Etymology Origin:
The word "quartet" traces back to the Latin quartus (fourth), reflecting its core meaning of "four." It entered English via Italian (quartetto) and French (quartette), where the suffix -et (or -ette) was added to denote a small, cohesive group. Originally used in music to describe compositions for four voices or instruments, the term later expanded to any group of four. The evolution highlights how Latin numerical roots merged with Romance language suffixes to create specialized terms in art and beyond.
The string quartet performed a piece by Beethoven.
They formed a vocal quartet for the competition.
The novel’s plot revolves around a quartet of friends.
A quartet of scientists collaborated on the groundbreaking study.
The jazz quartet played late into the night.