Quaternary
/kwə'tə:nəri/
Học thuậtThân thiện
Definition
Adjective:
- Fourth in order or rank: "Quaternary" can describe something that is fourth in a sequence, position, or series.
- Consisting of four parts or elements: In chemistry and other sciences, "quaternary" describes a compound or structure composed of four distinct components or arranged in sets of four.
- Relating to the most recent geological period: In geology, "Quaternary" (often capitalized) specifically refers to the current and most recent period of geologic time, spanning approximately the last 2.6 million years to the present.
Noun:
- The number four: "Quaternary" can denote the cardinal number four.
- A set of four things: It can refer to a group or set consisting of four members.
- (The Quaternary): The geological period and system comprising the Pleistocene and Holocene epochs.
Usage Examples
Adjective:
- The team identified a quaternary structure in the protein, meaning it was formed from four subunits.
- Quaternary ammonium compounds are used as disinfectants.
- The Quaternary period is characterized by repeated glacial cycles.
Noun:
- The base-4 numeral system is also known as the quaternary system.
- He organized the data into a quaternary for analysis.
- Many large mammals became extinct during the Quaternary.
Advanced Usage
"Quaternary structure": In biochemistry, this refers to the structure formed by the association of multiple protein subunits.
- Hemoglobin's functionality depends on its quaternary structure.
"Quaternary sector": In economics, a knowledge-based part of the economy including information technology, research, and development.
- The city's economy is increasingly focused on the quaternary sector.
Variants and Related Words
Quaternate (adj): Arranged in or consisting of a set of four.
- The plant has quaternate leaves.
Quaternion (n): A complex number of the form w + xi + yj + zk, or broadly, a set of four parts.
- Quaternions are used in 3D computer graphics.
Synonyms
- Fourth: Constituting number four in a sequence.
- Quadruple: Consisting of four parts or things.
Related Phrases
- Quaternary ammonium salt: A type of nitrogen compound used as a surfactant or disinfectant.
- Quaternary ammonium salts are common in fabric softeners.
Related Idioms
(This word is highly technical and is not commonly used in idiomatic expressions.)
Adjective
- coming next after the third and just before the fifth in position or time or degree or magnitude
- the quaternary period of geologic time extends from the end of the tertiary period to the present
- consisting of or especially arranged in sets of four
- quaternate leaves
- a quaternary compound
Noun
- the cardinal number that is the sum of three and one
- last 2 million years