Definition

Relating to or arranged in a pattern of five points, with four points forming a square or rectangle and the fifth point at the center.

Example

The garden was designed in a quincunxial layout, with trees planted at each corner and one in the middle.

Conversation

Have you ever heard of a quincunxial pattern in gardening?

No, I haven't! What does it look like?

It's when you plant five things in a specific arrangement, kind of like a dice layout.

That sounds interesting! I might try that in my garden this spring.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Quincunxial is formed from "quinque" (meaning five) and "unx" (meaning one twelfth, from the Latin word for a twelfth part). The term refers to a specific arrangement of five objects, typically in a square or rectangle, with one at each corner and one in the center, resembling the pattern on the face of a die showing five.

Memory Tip

Think of the word 'quincunxial' as relating to 'five' ('quinque') arranged in a specific way, like the five dots on a die.

Visually Confused Words