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
Limit use of sprays that contain chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds, Collins says.
—
Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Common Ingredients Are Linked To Health Harms The disinfectant wipes of popular brands often contain antimicrobial chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds.
—Arlene Blum, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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
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Matt Fuchs, TIME, 21 Feb. 2025
Common Ingredients Are Linked To Health Harms The disinfectant wipes of popular brands often contain antimicrobial chemicals called quaternary ammonium compounds.
—Arlene Blum, Forbes, 12 Jan. 2025
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
Cite this Entry
“Quaternary ammonium compound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quaternary%20ammonium%20compound. Accessed 3 Jul. 2025.
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