square the circle

Verb CEFR C1

Definitions

To construct a square with the same area as a given circle by using only a finite number of steps with compass and straightedge, a task which is mathematically impossible.
To solve a famously difficult or impossible problem.
figuratively

Equivalents

Españolhallar la cuadratura del círculo

Françaistrouver la quadrature du cercle

Deutschden Kreis quadrieren die Quadratur des Kreises finden

2 more languages

العربيةربع الدائرة

Italianotrovare la quadratura del cerchio

Examples

“The problem of squaring the circle is the problem of determining the ratio of the circumference of a circle to the diameter, which is called π.”

CEFR level

C1

Advanced
This word is part of the CEFR C1 vocabulary — advanced level.

See all C1 English words →

See also

square up square-bracket square-bracketed square-bracketing square-brackets square-dance

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