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 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

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'quaternary ammonium compound.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

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

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Dictionary Entries Near quaternary ammonium compound

quaternary

quaternary ammonium compound

quaternary silver

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Cite this Entry

Style

“Quaternary ammonium compound.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/quaternary%20ammonium%20compound. Accessed 3 Dec. 2023.

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