quaternary ammonium compound

n. Any of a group of compounds composed of a cation, in which a central nitrogen atom is joined to four organic groups, and any of various anions, used as antiseptics, solvents, and emulsifying agents.

quaternary ammonium compound

n (Elements & Compounds) a type of ionic compound that can be regarded as derived from ammonium compounds by replacing the hydrogen atoms with organic groups

quat′ernary ammo′nium com`pound

n. any of a class of salts derived from ammonium in which the nitrogen atom is attached to four organic groups; used as antiseptics and disinfectants. [1815–25]

Thesaurus

Noun

quaternary ammonium compound - a compound derived from ammonium with hydrogen atoms replaced by organic groups; used as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and in drugsorganic compound - any compound of carbon and another element or a radical

quaternary ammonium compound

compound

[kom´pownd] 1. made up of diverse elements or ingredients.2. a substance made up of two or more materials.3. in chemistry, a substance made up of two or more elements in union. The elements are united chemically, which means that each of the original elements loses its individual characteristics once it has combined with the other element(s). When elements combine they do so in definite proportions by weight; this is why the union of hydrogen and oxygen always produces water. Sugar, salt, and vinegar are examples of compounds.
Organic compounds are those containing carbon atoms; inorganic compounds are those that do not contain carbon atoms.clathrate c's inclusion complexes in which molecules of one type are trapped within cavities of another substance, such as within a crystalline lattice structure or large molecule.quaternary ammonium compound an organic compound containing a quaternary ammonium group, a nitrogen atom carrying a single positive charge bonded to four carbon atoms, e.g., choline.

quaternary ammonium compound