quintuplet
(ˈkwɪntjuːplɪt, kwɪnˈtjuːplɪt)
[f. quintuple a.]
1. A set of five things; in Mus. = quintole.
| 1873 H. C. Banister Music 13 Other irregularities..such as four notes for three, termed a Quadruplet; five for four, a Quintuplet. 1884 Knight Dict. Mech. Suppl. 733/2 Quintuplet, said of springs when five of similar type are associated in a group. 1885 Archæologia L. 77 These rays are arranged in quintuplets. |
2. pl. Five children born at a birth.
| 1889 Lancet No. 3417. 392/1 Five years subsequently she gave birth to quintuplets. 1895 Aberdeen Free Press 25 Oct. 4 This is the first case of quintuplets in England. |
3. A cycle for five riders; a quintet.
| 1895 Westm. Gaz. 17 Oct. 7/2 The latest cycling machine is a quintuplet. 1896 Daily News 17 July 7/1 Five spun along at a terrific pace on a quintuplet. |