quaternary

1. 1

   Of fourth rank or order.not-comparable

   • the quaternary stress in a pronounced word
2. 2

   Of a mathematical expression containing e.g. x⁴.not-comparable

3. 3

   Relating to or in number base four.not-comparable

4. 4

   having a quaternary ammonium group.not-comparable

   • The available anticholinergics are divided into the tertiary anticholinergics, which cross the blood–brain barrier, and the quaternary anticholinergics, which do not cross the blood–brain barrier.
   • It was developed from pancuronium and differs from it only in the nature of the 2 p-atom which is tertiary as distinct from quaternary.
5. 5

   Composed of four elements.not-comparable

syn. quartal · quartary

1. 1

   A quaternary compound.

2. 2

   The Quaternary period or the system of deposits laid down during it.