bracket

brack•et

[[t]ˈbræk ɪt[/t]] n.

1) archit. cv a supporting piece, oftenL- 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) bui a shelf or shelves so supported

3) archit. a wall fixture for holding a lamp, clock, telephone, etc

4) pri

Also called square bracket one of two marks, or, used in writing or printing to enclose parenthetical matter, interpolations, etc.

5) math. Math.

a) brackets, parentheses of various forms indicating that the enclosed quantity is to be treated as a unit

b) (loosely)

vinculum 2)

6) soc a class, division, or grouping, as of persons in relation to their income or age

7) a projecting fixture for gas or electricity

8) mil gun range or elevation producing both shorts and overs on a target

9) bui to furnish with or support by a bracket or brackets

10) bui cv to place within brackets

11) to associate, mention, or class together:

The problems were bracketed together[/ex]

12) mil to place (gunshots) both beyond and short of a target

13) pht to photograph (additional shots) at exposure levels above and below the estimated correct exposure

•

Etymology: 1570–80; earlier also brag(g)et (in architecture)