angle bracket
Definition
Noun:
1. An L-shaped metal bracket: A rigid support, typically made of metal, shaped like a right angle. It is used to join two parts (like a shelf and a wall) at a 90-degree angle, providing structural support.
2. Either of two punctuation marks (< or >):
* In computer programming and markup languages, these symbols are essential operators. They are used for comparisons (e.g., x < y means "x is less than y"), redirection, and to enclose tags (e.g., <html>).
* In general textual material, they can sometimes be used as a pair to enclose or set off text, similar to parentheses or square brackets, though this usage is less common.
Usage Examples
- As a metal bracket:
- Secure the shelf to the wall using a sturdy angle bracket on each side.
- The carpenter installed several angle brackets to reinforce the corner of the frame.
- As a punctuation mark:
- In HTML, all elements are defined by tags enclosed in angle brackets, like
<p>for a paragraph. - The conditional statement
if (a > b)uses an angle bracket to check if variable 'a' is greater than 'b'. - Some writers use angle brackets to denote editorial insertions, e.g.,
He saidthat it was fine.
Advanced Usage
- Typographical Distinction: In professional typesetting, the symbols and are formally called "less-than" and "greater-than" signs, respectively. The term "angle bracket" is a more general, descriptive name for their shape.
- Double Angle Brackets (
«and»):- In some languages (e.g., French, Russian), these guillemets are used as quotation marks.
- They are sometimes called "chevrons" or "double angle brackets."
Variants and Related Words
- Bracket (n): A more general term for a supporting fixture or a typographical symbol used to enclose text (e.g., , , , ).
- Chevron (n): A V-shaped pattern or symbol. The double angle brackets ( and ) are sometimes referred to as chevrons.
- Less-than sign (): The specific name for the symbol meaning "smaller than."
- Greater-than sign (): The specific name for the symbol meaning "larger than."
Synonyms
- For the metal object: Corner brace, L-bracket, shelf bracket.
- For the punctuation marks: Inequality signs (when used for comparisons), chevrons (for and ).
Related Phrases
- To enclose in angle brackets: The action of placing text between and .
- Remember to enclose the tag name in angle brackets.
- Left/Right angle bracket: Specific terms for (left) and (right).
Related Idioms
- No direct idioms feature the term "angle bracket." However, in programming culture, the phrase "syntax error: unmatched angle bracket" is a common error message indicating a missing or .
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