QUATERNARY Meaning and
Definition
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Quaternary is an adjective derived from the Latin word "quaternarius," meaning "consisting of four elements." In its general sense, quaternary refers to anything involving or related to the number four. However, the term is predominantly used in specific fields, such as geology, biology, and chemistry, where it holds distinct meanings.
In geology, quaternary is used to describe the most recent period of Earth’s history, which spans from approximately 2.6 million years ago to the present. This period is characterized by the presence of humans and the occurrence of several ice ages. The quaternary period is divided into two epochs: the Pleistocene, characterized by extensive glaciations, and the Holocene, where the ice sheets have retreated.
In biology, the quaternary structure refers to the complex arrangement of multiple polypeptide chains in a protein molecule. This structure is formed when two or more tertiary structures interact to create a functional protein unit. Quaternary structures are crucial for proteins that require multiple subunits to function optimally, such as hemoglobin and antibodies.
In chemistry, quaternary compounds are chemical compounds composed of four distinct elements or groups. These compounds have four covalent bonds around a central atom, leading to a tetrahedral molecular arrangement. Quaternary compounds often exhibit distinct physical and chemical properties compared to simpler compounds, and they are widely used in various industrial applications.
In summary, quaternary is a term used in geology, biology, and chemistry to describe different concepts related to the number four, such as a geological time period, the complex structure of proteins, or the arrangement of elements in chemical compounds.
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1. Noting a chemical compound containing four elements. 2. Fourth in a series.
A practical medical dictionary. By Stedman, Thomas Lathrop. Published 1920.
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• Consisting of fours; in bot., arranged in fours, as a leaf; in geol., applied to all accumulations above the true tertiaries, equivalent to post-tertiary.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
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Other Common Misspellings for QUATERNARY
Etymology of QUATERNARY
The word "quaternary" is derived from the Latin word "quaternarius", which means "consisting of four each". It is formed by combining the Latin word "quaterni", meaning "four each" or "by fours", with the suffix "-ary", which denotes "pertaining to" or "related to". The term "quaternary" is commonly used in various fields to refer to a fourth in a series, a group of four, or a division that follows a ternary system. In geology, it specifically refers to the most recent period in the Earth's history, characterized by the presence of humans.
Idioms with the word QUATERNARY
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the Quaternary
The idiom "the Quaternary" refers to the geological time period spanning from around 2.6 million years ago to the present day, characterized by the presence of humans and their impact on the Earth's ecosystems. It is the most recent epoch in the geological timescale.
Similar spelling words for QUATERNARY
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