How to Pronounce Quaternary

To pronounce "quaternary", say QUAT-ern-ary — 3 syllables, IPA /kwəˈtɜːnəɹi/. Tap play below to hear it in four English accents, or practice it syllable by syllable.

quaternary

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Accent

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3

Syllables

10

Letters

/kwəˈtɜːnəɹi/

IPA

💡 Tip for remembering “quaternary”

"quaternary" has 3 syllables: quat-ern-ary. It rhymes with extraordinary and contemporary, if that helps it stick.

What does quaternary mean?

noun

  1. A quaternary compound.
  2. The Quaternary period or the system of deposits laid down during it.

adjective

  1. Of fourth rank or order

    “the quaternary stress in a pronounced word”

  2. Of a mathematical expression containing e.g. x4

Words that rhyme with quaternary

Practicing rhymes trains the same ending sounds.

extraordinarycontemporarycontrarysanctuarysolitaryarbitrarywaryordinarytarryemissarycarryancillary

Related words

fourthfourquaternquaternionquaternityquaternatetetradordinal

Frequently asked questions

How many syllables are in "quaternary"?▾

"Quaternary" has 3 syllables: quat · ern · ary.

What is the IPA transcription of "quaternary"?▾

The IPA transcription of "quaternary" is /kwəˈtɜːnəɹi/.

What does "quaternary" mean?▾

Quaternary: A quaternary compound.

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