释义 |
quater·nary I. \ˈkwäd.ərˌnerē, kwäˈtərnərē\ noun (-es) Etymology: Middle English, from Latin quaternarius, adjective, consisting of four each, from quaterni four each (from quater four times) + -arius -ary 1. a. : a group of four b. : a member of a fourth group 2. usually capitalized : the Quaternary period or system of rocks II. adjective Etymology: Latin quaternarius consisting of four each 1. : consisting of four parts or components : by fours or in sets of four < a quaternary compound > 2. a. : fourth in order b. usually capitalized : of or relating to the geological period from the end of the Tertiary to the present time — see geologic time table 3. : characterized by replacement in the fourth degree: as a. : united to four carbon atoms in organic radicals < a quaternary carbon atom > b. : consisting of or containing an atom (as nitrogen) united by four bonds to carbon atoms in organic radicals < quaternary ammonium [R4N]+ > < quaternary salts > |