a. Chem. [f. TETR(A)- + 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 April, 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. Cleminshaw, Wurtz’ Atom. The., 120. Both vapours are tetratomic, or, in other words, the molecules of phosphorus and arsenic are formed of four atoms.
