quaternary ammonium compound

noun

Definition of quaternary ammonium compound

: 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

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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, "Here’s Why You Need to Stop Using Dryer Sheets ASAP," 30 Apr. 2019

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'quaternary ammonium compound.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

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Dictionary Entries near quaternary ammonium compound

quatercentenary

quaternary ammonium compound

quaternary silver

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The first known use of quaternary ammonium compound was circa 1934

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quaternary ammonium compound

noun

Medical Definition of quaternary ammonium compound

: 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

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auxiliary

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