tetratomic, a. Chem.
(tɛtrəˈtɒmɪk)
[f. tetra- + atomic.]
Containing four atoms in the molecule. † b. = tetravalent, quadrivalent. Obs. † c. = tetrahydric. Obs.
| 1862 Miller Elem. Chem. (ed. 2) III. 52 Tetratomic, or Tetrabasic elements, each atom of which in combination is equivalent to H4, or four atoms of hydrogen. 1865 Reader 1 Apr. 372/3 Carbon has been shown by Kekulé [1857 Annalen der Chemie 104, p. 133] to be tetratomic. 1872 Watts Dict. Chem. VI. 237 Carbon, which combines with 4 atoms of hydrogen, is tetratomic, tetradic, or quadrivalent. 1880 E. Cleminshaw Wurtz' Atom. The. 120 Both vapours are tetratomic, or, in other words, the molecules of phosphorus and arsenic are formed of four atoms. |