quaternary meaning: definition, etymology

quaternary

adj

UK /kwəˈtɜː.nə.ɹi/ · US /ˈkwɑ.tɚˌnɛɹ.i/

Etymology Derived from Latin quaternārius (“containing or consisting of four”), from quaternī (“four each”, “four at a time”) + -ārius (whence the English suffix -ary); compare the French quaternaire.

Of fourth rank or order.

the quaternary stress in a pronounced word

Of a mathematical expression containing e.g. x⁴.

Relating to or in number base four.

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Organic chemistry, Physical sciences quaternary ammonium.

Chemistry, Inorganic chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Composed of four elements.

Synonyms: quartal, quartary
Derived terms: bisquaternary, diquaternary, nonquaternary, pseudoquaternary, quaternarily, quaternarization, quaternary ammonium, quaternary care, quaternary healthcare, quaternary industry, quaternary moon, quaternary number, quaternary sector, quaternary sector of the economy, quaternary structure, quaternary twin, quaternation, quaternium
Related terms: quaternion, primary (1st), unary, unitary, secondary (2nd), binary, tertiary (3rd), ternary, trinary, quartary (4th), tetranary, quinary, senary, septenary, octonary, nonary (9th), novenary, denary, duodenary, vicenary, tricenary, sexagenary, centenary (100)

quaternary

noun

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences A quaternary compound.

Geography, Geology, Natural sciences The Quaternary period or the system of deposits laid down during it.

Derived terms: negaquaternary