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HOW TO PRONOUNCE

quaternary

/ˈkwɑ.tɚˌnɛɹ.i/

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American Pronunciation Guide · 0:47
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What does quaternary mean?

adjective

  1. Of fourth rank or order.
  2. Of a mathematical expression containing e.g. x⁴.
  3. Relating to or in number base four.
More meanings (6)

adjective

  1. having a quaternary ammonium group.
  2. Composed of four elements.

noun

  1. A quaternary compound.
  2. The Quaternary period or the system of deposits laid down during it.

proper noun

  1. The geological period of the Cenozoic Era immediately following the Tertiary. It is subdivided into the Pleistocene and the Holocene Epochs.
  2. Alternative letter-case form of quaternary.

Definitions regrouped for readability · CC BY-SA 4.0

IPA pronunciation

/ˈkwɑ.tɚˌnɛɹ.i/

Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Other dictionary pronunciations

/ˈkwɑt.əɹˌnɛɹ.i//kwəˈtɜɹ.nə.ɹi/
Wiktionary contributors · CC BY-SA 4.0

Pronunciation varies by speaker and region. About these dictionary pronunciations.

In the pages of books

See this word in context.

In Europe abundant remains of horses are found in the Quaternary and later Tertiary strata as far as the Pliocene formation.
Thomas Henry HuxleyLectures on Evolution Essay #3 from "Science and Hebrew Tradition"Project Gutenberg ebook #2629
These miasms are probably ternary or quaternary combinations of azote, phosphorus, hydrogen, carbon, and sulphur.
Alexander von Humboldt; Aimé BonplandPersonal Narrative of Travels to the Equinoctial Regions of America, During the Year 1799-1804 — Volume 1Translated by Thomasina RossProject Gutenberg ebook #6322
More book examples (3)
Research among the evidences of man's existence in the early Quaternary, and possibly in the Tertiary period, was now pressed forward along the whole line.
Andrew Dickson WhiteHistory of the Warfare of Science with Theology in ChristendomProject Gutenberg ebook #505
Though flint was the material par excellence of Quaternary times for weapons and tools, it could not long suffice for the ever-growing needs of man.
Jean-François-Albert du Pouget, marquis de NadaillacManners and Monuments of Prehistoric PeoplesTranslated by N. D'AnversProject Gutenberg ebook #3309
We have seen that in the ancient gravels of European rivers archæologists have found the materials wherewith to build a fascinating story of man’s appearance in Quaternary times.
Emory Adams AllenThe Prehistoric World; Or, Vanished RacesProject Gutenberg ebook #2873