Quaternary

C2 16+

Pronunciation: /ˈkwɒtəˌnɛri/

Definitions of quaternary

noun a group or set of four

Example Sentences

A1 The quaternary is the fourth stage in geology.

A2 In chemistry, the quaternary refers to a compound with four substituents.

B1 The quaternary structure of a protein determines its function.

B2 Researchers are studying the quaternary of DNA to understand its complex structure.

C1 The quaternary period in Earth's history is characterized by the rise of mammals.

C2 Understanding the quaternary of climate change is essential for developing effective mitigation strategies.

adjective of or relating to the number four; fourth in order

Example Sentences

A1 The quaternary colors are purple, orange, green, and brown.

A2 In chemistry, a quaternary compound contains four atoms bound together.

B1 The quaternary structure of a protein is determined by its amino acid sequence.

B2 The quaternary period in geologic time is characterized by the rise of mammals.

C1 Researchers are studying the quaternary climate changes to better understand our planet's history.

C2 The quaternary sector of the economy involves information technology and knowledge-based services.

Examples of quaternary in a Sentence

formal The quaternary structure of a protein refers to its overall three-dimensional shape.

informal I learned about the quaternary structure of proteins in my biochemistry class.

slang I have no idea what quaternary means, can you explain it to me?

figurative In the quaternary period of Earth's history, mammals began to dominate the planet.

Grammatical Forms of quaternary

past tense

quaternaried

plural

quaternaries

comparative

more quaternary

superlative

most quaternary

present tense

quaternaries

future tense

will quaternary

perfect tense

have quaternaried

continuous tense

is quaternary

singular

quaternary

positive degree

quaternary

infinitive

to quaternary

gerund

quaternarying

participle

quaternaryed

Origin and Evolution of quaternary

First Known Use: 1601 year
Language of Origin: Latin
Story behind the word: The word 'quaternary' originated from the Latin word 'quaternarius' which means 'consisting of four'.
Evolution of the word: Originally used in reference to the number four or a group of four things, 'quaternary' later evolved to be used in geology to refer to the period of Earth's history that includes the Holocene and Pleistocene epochs.