quaternary ammonium compound

noun

: any of numerous strong bases and their salts derived from ammonium by replacement of the hydrogen atoms with organic radicals and important especially as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and drugs

Examples of quaternary ammonium compound in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web
Examples are automatically compiled from online sources to show current usage. Read More Opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.
The chemical is a quaternary ammonium compound. Scott McCartney, WSJ, 30 Sep. 2020 The Environmental Working Group’s senior research and database analyst Samara Geller told Apartment Therapy that dryer sheets contain a potentially harmful chemical called quaternary ammonium compounds (QACS). Megan Schaltegger, House Beautiful, 30 Apr. 2019

Word History

First Known Use

circa 1934, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of quaternary ammonium compound was circa 1934

Dictionary Entries Near quaternary ammonium compound

Cite this Entry

“Quaternary ammonium compound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quaternary%20ammonium%20compound. Accessed 2 Dec. 2024.

Medical Definition

quaternary ammonium compound

noun
: any of numerous strong bases and their salts derived from ammonium by replacement of the hydrogen atoms with organic radicals and important especially as surface-active agents, disinfectants, and drugs

called also quat, quaternary

More from Merriam-Webster on quaternary ammonium compound

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!