After 'quint' comes sext. This refers to the numerical prefix or multiplier for the number six, following 'quint' which denotes five.
Understanding Numerical Prefixes
Many English words incorporate numerical prefixes, primarily derived from Latin and Greek, to indicate quantity or order. When we talk about "quint," we are generally referring to the prefix used for the number five, often seen in words like quintuple (meaning five times as much or having five parts) or quintet (a group of five).
Following this established pattern, the prefix for the number six is 'sext'. This forms words such as sextuple (meaning six times as much or having six parts) or sextet (a group of six).
The Sequence of Multiples
The progression of these prefixes for multiples follows a consistent pattern, crucial for understanding their usage in various contexts. Here's a common sequence:
| Number | Prefix/Term | Example Usage |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | double | A double portion, double income |
| 3 | triple | A triple bypass, triple threat |
| 4 | quadruple | Quadruple overtime, a quadruple major |
| 5 | quintuple | A quintuple-A bond rating, quintuple points |
| 6 | sextuple | A sextuple bypass (less common but used), sextuple bonds in chemistry |
| 7 | septuple | Septuple gold (seven gold medals) |
| 8 | octuple | An octuple axle truck, octuple threat |
This sequence helps categorize and understand quantities, especially when describing multiples of something.
Beyond Simple Multiples
While often used for multiples (like "quintuple" or "sextuple"), these prefixes also appear in other contexts:
- Groups:
- A musical ensemble of five performers is a quintet.
- A group of six performers is a sextet.
- Births:
- Five children born at one birth are quintuplets.
- Six children born at one birth are sextuplets.
- Time/Cycles:
- A quinquennial event occurs every five years.
- A sexennial event occurs every six years.
Understanding these prefixes provides insight into the structure of many English words and concepts related to numerical representation. For a more comprehensive list of numerical prefixes and their origins, you can refer to resources like Wikipedia's list of numerical prefixes or dictionary entries such as Merriam-Webster for "quintuple".
