Pronunciation: [kwˈatənˌe͡ɪt] (IPA) 
The word "quaternate" is spelled with the prefix "quater-" meaning four and the suffix "-nate" meaning having or containing. The IPA phonetic transcription of this word is /kwəːtəneɪt/. The "qu" at the beginning is pronounced as a "kw" sound. The "a" in "nate" is pronounced as a "ə" or schwa sound. The stress is on the second syllable "ter." Overall, "quaternate" refers to something that is divided into four parts or units.
Quaternate is an adjective that describes something consisting of, or arranged in, groups or sets of four. This term is derived from the Latin word "quaterni" which means "four each" or "by fours."
In various contexts, quaternate can refer to different concepts. In botany, it is often used to describe the arrangement of leaves or flowers in groups of four at a particular node on a stem. This is commonly observed in plants belonging to the mint family, such as the Lamiaceae family, where leaves are arranged in opposite pairs, resulting in quaternate leaf patterns. Similarly, when flowers occur in clusters of four at a node, they are said to be quaternate.
Quaternate can also be used in chemistry to describe a group of four molecules or atoms that are linked together. These molecules or atoms can form a stable structure, and their arrangement affects the properties and behavior of the compound.
In mathematics, quaternate may refer to the act of dividing a quantity into four equal parts or arranging elements in groups of four. This concept is often encountered in topics such as combinatorics or number theory.
Overall, the term quaternate suggests the presence or organization of something into sets, groups, or arrangements of four.
In bot., applied to leaves coming off in fours from one point.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
The word quaternate is derived from the Latin word quaterni, meaning four at a time. The Latin term is formed from the numeral quattuor, meaning four. The suffix -ate is added to form an adjective. Therefore, quaternate literally means occurring in groups of four or consisting of four parts.
