containing or being an atom bound to four other atoms or groups
a quaternary ammonium compound
4. mathematics
having four variables
nounWord forms: plural-naries
5.
the number four or a set of four
Word origin
C15: from Latin quaternārius each containing four, from quaternī by fours, distributive of quattuor four
Quaternary in British English
(kwəˈtɜːnərɪ)
adjective
1.
of, denoting, or formed in the most recent period of geological time, which succeeded the Tertiary period nearly two million years ago
noun
2. the Quaternary
quaternary in American English
(ˈkwɑtərˌnɛri; kwəˈtɜrnəri)
adjective
1.
consisting of four; in sets of four
2. [usuallyQ-]
designating or of the second and current geologic period of the Cenozoic Era, usually subdivided into the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs and characterized by a series of ice ages, the first toolmaking cultures, and the rise of modern human culture
3. Chemistry
a.
designating a compound or alloy containing four different components or elements
quaternary silver
b.
being, of, or containing an atom linked to four carbon atoms