quinary

[ kwahy-nuh-ree ]

adjective

1. pertaining to or consisting of five.
2. arranged in fives.
3. of, relating to, or noting a numerical system based on the number 5.

noun

, plural qui·na·ries.

1. a number in a quinary system.

quinary

/ ˈkwaɪnərɪ /

adjective

1. consisting of fives or by fives
2. fifth in a series
3. (of a number system) having a base of five

noun

1. a set of five

Word History and Origins

Origin of quinary¹

1595–1605; < Latin quīnārius, equivalent to quīn ( ī ) five each + -ārius -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of quinary¹

C17: from Latin quīnārius containing five, from quīnī five each

Example Sentences

In the Mollusca circle two classes are still wanting to complete the quinary arrangement of that sub-kingdom.

From Project Gutenberg

Subordinate to either one of these the quinary may and often does appear.

From Project Gutenberg

In its structure the quinary is the simplest, the most primitive, of the natural systems.

From Project Gutenberg

Up to this point the Greenlander's scale is almost purely quinary.

From Project Gutenberg

The foregoing examples will show with considerable fulness the wide dispersion of the quinary scale.

From Project Gutenberg