The term "quarter round" refers to a type of decorative moulding used in carpentry and woodworking. It is spelled phonetically as /ˈkwɔːrtər raʊnd/, with the first syllable "kwɔː" sounding like "core" without the "e" and the second syllable "raʊnd" rhyming with "found". This type of moulding is commonly used to finish off the edges of baseboards, countertops and cabinets. It adds a smooth, rounded look to the corners and transitions in a room.
Quarter round is a type of molding that is commonly used in carpentry and interior design to cover the gap between the baseboards or flooring and the wall. It is a small, curved strip of wood or other material, typically with a 90-degree profile that resembles a quarter of a circle.
The purpose of quarter round is to provide a finished, polished look to the edges and corners of a room. It is often used in areas where baseboards do not extend all the way to the wall, or when there is a slight space or unevenness between the wall and the flooring. By installing quarter round, these gaps and imperfections are concealed, giving the space a more visually appealing and professional appearance.
Quarter round can be made of various materials, including wood, plastic, or composite materials. It is typically available in different sizes and finishes to match the existing trim or decor. The installation of quarter round is fairly simple and involves attaching it to the baseboard or directly to the wall using nails, screws, or adhesive.
In addition to its aesthetic purpose, quarter round also serves a functional role by providing a protective barrier against moisture, dirt, and debris that may accumulate in the gaps between the baseboards and the wall. It helps to prevent damage to the edges of the flooring and the baseboards, making it a practical and essential component in interior finishing.
In arch., any moulding whose contour is a quadrant-also called an ovolo; head-quarters, the tent or residence of the commander-in-chief of an army; on the quarter, in nav., in the direction of a point of the horizon abaft the beam, but not quite in the direction of the stern; to keep quarter, to keep within certain bounds, limits, or terms; to give or show quarter, to accept as prisoner an enemy in battle who submits; to forbear to kill a defeated enemy-that is, by sparing his life you keep witin bounds, and do not proceed to the utmost extremities against him; to quarter arms, in her., to place the arms of other families in certain compartments of a shield, the family being placed in the first.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word "quarter round" is composed of two separate words: "quarter" and "round".
The term "quarter" comes from the Old French word "quartier", which means "a fourth part" or "a quarter". It can be traced back further to the Latin word "quartarius", derived from "quartus", meaning "fourth".
The term "round" derives from the Old English word "rund", which means "circular" or "having a curved surface". This word is also related to the Old Norse word "rundr" and the Middle Low German word "rund", all sharing similar meanings.