quaternary
1. qua.ter.na.ry \'kwa:t-*(r)-.ner-e-, kw*-'t*r-n*-re-\ aj [L quaternarius,
fr. quaterni four each] 1: of, relating to, or consisting of four units or
members : QUADRUPL E cap 2: of, relating to, or being the geological
period from the end of the Ter tiary to the present time or the
corresponding system of rocks 3: consisting of, containing, or being an
atom united by four bonds to car bon atoms
2. quaternary n 1: a member of a group fourth in order or rank cap 2: the
Quaternary period or system of rocks