Pronunciation: [ɪn kwˈa͡ɪ͡əz] (IPA) 
The correct spelling of the term meaning "in search of information or answers" is "inquiries," with a /kw/ sound in the second syllable. The spelling "in quires" is incorrect and may lead to confusion. The correct IPA phonetic transcription is /ɪnˈkwɑɪəriz/. It is important to use correct spelling and pronunciation to ensure effective communication and avoid misunderstandings.
"In quires" is a phrase commonly used in bibliographic or book-related contexts. The term refers to a specific measurement unit used to describe the number of sheets of paper in a book. In printing terminology, a quire represents a gathering of folded or nested sheets of paper. Each quire typically consists of a specific number of leaves or pages, which can be determined by the way the paper is folded and trimmed.
The phrase "in quires" is often found in book descriptions or catalog entries to indicate the arrangement of sheets within a volume. For example, if a book is described as "8vo in 4s in quires," it means that the pages are folded and arranged in such a way that four leaves of paper are nested within each signature or gathering. In other words, the book is constructed with each signature containing four folded sheets, yielding a total of eight pages.
This terminology is essential for understanding the physical structure and binding of books, which can vary depending on the printing techniques, historical period, or regional traditions. The mention of "in quires" provides crucial information to book collectors, historians, or scholars about the material composition and arrangement of pages within a book, allowing them to better comprehend the organization and physical characteristics of the volume in question.
