square bracket
n 1. (Printing, Lithography & Bookbinding) either of a pair of characters [ ], used to enclose a section of writing or printing to separate it from the main text
2. (Mathematics) Also called: bracket either of these characters used as a sign of aggregation in mathematical or logical expressions indicating that the expression contained in the brackets is to be evaluated first and treated as a unit in the evaluation of the whole
Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014
brack•et
(ˈbræk ɪt)
n. 1. a supporting piece, often L- or scroll-shaped, projecting from a wall or the like to bear the weight of a shelf, cornice, etc., or to reinforce the angle between two members.
2. a shelf or shelves so supported.
3. a wall fixture for holding a lamp, clock, telephone, etc.
4. Also called
square bracket. one of two marks, [or], used in writing or printing to enclose parenthetical matter, interpolations, etc.
5. Math. a. brackets, parentheses of various forms indicating that the enclosed quantity is to be treated as a unit.
6. a class, division, or grouping, as of persons in relation to their income or age.
7. a projecting fixture for gas or electricity.
8. gun range or elevation producing both shorts and overs on a target.
v.t. 9. to furnish with or support by a bracket or brackets.
10. to place within brackets.
11. to associate, mention, or class together: The problems were bracketed together.
12. to place (gunshots) both beyond and short of a target.
13. to photograph (additional shots) at exposure levels above and below the estimated correct exposure.
[1570–80; earlier also brag(g)et (in architecture)]
Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.