perfect square

noun

: an integer (such as 9 or 36) whose square root is an integer

Examples of perfect square in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Because modular number systems are finite, perfect squares are more common. Quanta Magazine, 1 Nov. 2023 Want to find primes that are 1 bigger than a perfect square, like 17 or 257? Erica Klarreich, Quanta Magazine, 26 Oct. 2023 Since no perfect square can end in 2, 3, 7 or 8, no perfect square exists with only those digits. Quanta Magazine, 18 Nov. 2020 Use it to cut a perfect square of wrapping paper. Washington Post, 21 Dec. 2021 Pale orange, velvety smooth, and tangy as Pinkberry, a perfect square of American cheese or Velveeta melts all in one piece. Veronique Greenwood, Discover Magazine, 18 Sep. 2011 The painting is enormous (about 53 square feet) and a quarter-of-an-inch shy of being a perfect square. Washington Post, 23 Nov. 2022 Chin frames up another perfect square in a seasonal ice cave that forms on the Athabasca Glacier. Grayson Schaffer, Outside Online, 14 May 2015 The perfect square of frozen American cheese, bright, plasticky yellow circles of egg-cornstarch-milk patties—is this Lego food? Alex Beggs, Bon Appétit, 7 Oct. 2021

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'perfect square.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1811, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of perfect square was in 1811

Dictionary Entries Near perfect square

Cite this Entry

“Perfect square.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/perfect%20square. Accessed 19 Mar. 2024.

Kids Definition

perfect square

noun
: a whole number whose square root is a whole number
9 is a perfect square
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