Definition

A pattern made up of five items, where four are placed at the corners of a square or rectangle and one is in the center.

Example

The garden was designed in a quincunx pattern, with trees at each corner and one in the middle.

Conversation

Have you ever seen a quincunx arrangement in a garden?

I think I have, but I didn't know it had a name!

Yeah, it's when there are five plants, one in each corner and one in the center.

That sounds really cool; I should try arranging my flowers like that!

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Quincunx → It is formed from "quinque" (meaning five) and "unx" (from "uncia", meaning a twelfth part). The word describes an arrangement of five objects with four at the corners of a square or rectangle and one in the center, resembling the pattern of five on a die.

Memory Tip

Think of the number 'five' ('quinque') arranged with one in the center and four at the corners, which helps you remember that a quincunx is a specific arrangement of five.

Visually Confused Words