noun a group or set of four
adjective of or relating to the number four; fourth in order
In mathematics, quaternary refers to a numeral system with a base of four, using the digits 0, 1, 2, and 3.
In geology, quaternary refers to the most recent period in Earth's history, including the Holocene and Pleistocene epochs.
In computer science, quaternary refers to a system of data storage using four possible states instead of the traditional binary system.
In chemistry, quaternary compounds are compounds that contain four atoms or groups bound to a central atom.
In biology, quaternary structure refers to the arrangement of multiple protein subunits in a larger protein complex.
In the field of literature, 'quaternary' may be used to describe a type of verse form consisting of four lines, especially one with alternate rhymes.
In psychology, 'quaternary' may refer to the fourth stage of development in some theories, or to the analysis of complex interactions between multiple variables.
In geology, 'quaternary' specifically refers to the most recent period in Earth's history, spanning from approximately 2.6 million years ago to the present.
In chemistry, 'quaternary' can refer to a type of structure in which a central atom is bonded to four other atoms or groups, often seen in quaternary ammonium compounds.
In biology, 'quaternary' may be used to describe the structure of proteins consisting of multiple subunits, or to refer to the fourth level of protein structure.