4x4
English edit
Pronunciation edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology 1 edit
From its dimensions (4 inches by 4 inches); the 'x' is a corruption of the multiplication symbol ×.
Noun edit
4x4 (plural 4x4s)
- A piece of timber with a cross section of 4 inches square.
Related terms edit
Etymology 2 edit
From four-wheel drive and four-speed.
Noun edit
4x4 (plural 4x4s)
- (automotive) A four-wheel-drive vehicle with a four-speed transmission.
- (automotive) A four-wheel vehicle with four-wheel drive.
- (automotive, by extension) Any vehicle with four-wheel drive.
Synonyms edit
Derived terms edit
- 4x4x4 - (4x4 with 4-wheel steering)
Related terms edit
See also edit
French edit
Alternative forms edit
Etymology edit
Same as English Etymology 2
Pronunciation edit
Noun edit
4x4 m or f (plural 4x4)
- (automotive) 4x4, 4WD
- Synonym: véhicule tout-terrain
- 2018 November 23, “Dans les pays du Golfe, djellabas trempées et 4x4 noyés [In the states of the Persian Gulf, soaked djellabas and drowned 4x4]”, in Libération:
- Cinquante centimètres d’eau suffisent à entraîner même les plus gros 4x4, très nombreux dans ces pays, en principe pour rouler dans les sables du désert, mais en fait pour dominer sur l’asphalte.
- Fifty centimetres of water is enough to drag even the biggest 4x4, most common in these countries, normally designed to drive in the sand of the desert but actually used to dominate the asphalt.