quaternate

American  

[kwot-er-neyt, kwuh-tur-nit] / ˈkwɒt ərˌneɪt, kwəˈtɜr nɪt /

adjective

1. arranged in or consisting of four parts, as the leaves of certain plants.

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Etymology

Origin of quaternate

1745–55; < Latin quatern ( ī ) four at a time + -ate ¹

Example Sentences

They perform the same functions and bear spicules, sometimes in pairs, sometimes quaternate, each spicule being surmounted by a spore.

From Project Gutenberg

With this introduction we may state that the technical characters of the family are thus expressed:— Hymenium free, mostly naked, or, if enclosed at first, soon exposed; spores naked, mostly quaternate, on distinct spicules = Hymenomycetes.

From Project Gutenberg

With buttercups and brambles and many others there is only an increase above the typical five; quaternate flowers are wanting or at least are very rare.

From Project Gutenberg

The common laburnum has a variety which often produces quaternate and quinate leaves, and in strawberries I have also seen instances of this abnormality.

From Project Gutenberg

For brevity's sake all these cleft and ternate, double cleft and quaternate cotyledons and even the higher grades are combined under one common name and indicated as tricotyls.

From Project Gutenberg