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Glite Dictionary
4️⃣ Fourth in order 🟦 Made of four parts 4️⃣ The number four
quaternary

quaternary

9.3
The number four
  • noun
  • /kwəˈtɜrnəri/
translation icon : cuatro
  • In geometry, a shape with four sides is referred to as a quaternary polygon.

Examples

  • The term quaternary represents the number four in mathematics.

  • It is nevertheless true that the crescent-moon-shaped garments no longer take the expression of their definitive symmetry from the quaternary number: go and see for yourself, if you do not believe me.

    Academic text (2007)

  • The quaternary numbering system is used in certain computer algorithms to improve data processing.

Synonyms

four
vsquaternary
∞ 1.0

A number equal to two plus two

has identical meaning but uses a different technical label
4
vsquaternary
∞ 1.0

The number that comes after three and before five

is the same concept expressed as a word rather than a digit
IV
vsquaternary
76 1.0

A Roman numeral for the number four

is the same value but given as the modern word form
tetrad
vsquaternary
1 8.6

A group or set of four things

means the simple cardinal count rather than a grouped set
quaternity
vsquaternary
  • Archaic
9.9

A set of four related things

focuses on the pure cardinal value rather than a grouped collection
Little Joe
vsquaternary
  • Slang
9.9

A slang name for the number four in dice games like craps

is the neutral mathematical label, not a slang or game term

Compounds

quaternary ammonium compound
  • Specialized
6.7

A chemical used in cleaners and medicines that kills germs and helps clean surfaces

Quaternary period
  • Specialized
7.0

The most recent part of Earth's history covering the last two million years with ice ages and humans evolving

How Many

five
∞ 1.0
quaternary
9.3
three
∞ 1.0
two
∞ 1.0
one
∞ 1.0

Surface Forms

quaternary singular
quaternaries plural

Morphology

quaternary = quatern (transparent) = quatern + ary

The meaning of 'quaternary' as the number four is directly derived from 'quatern'.

Etymology

The word quaternary comes from the Latin part quater- meaning 'four', the same root as quarter and quartet. So quaternary can simply mean the number four or a system based on four parts.