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¹term

noun \ˈtərm\

: a word or phrase that has an exact meaning

terms : the particular kinds of words used to describe someone or something

: the length of time during which a person has an official or political office

Full Definition of TERM

a : end, termination; also : a point in time assigned to something (as a payment)

b : the time at which a pregnancy of normal length terminates <had her baby at full term>

a : a limited or definite extent of time; especially : the time for which something lasts : duration, tenure <term of office> <lost money in the short term>

b : the whole period for which an estate is granted; also : the estate or interest held by one for a term

c : the time during which a court is in session

plural : provisions that determine the nature and scope of an agreement : conditions <terms of sale> <liberal credit terms>

a : a word or expression that has a precise meaning in some uses or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or subject <legal terms>

b plural : expression of a specified kind <described in glowing terms>

a : a unitary or compound expression connected with another by a plus or minus sign

b : an element of a fraction or proportion or of a series or sequence

plural

a : mutual relationship : footing <on good terms>

b : agreement, concord <come to terms after extensive negotiations>

c : a state of acceptance or understanding <came to terms with the failure of his marriage>

: any of the three substantive elements of a syllogism

: a quadrangular pillar often tapering downward and adorned on the top with the figure of a head or the upper part of the body

: division in a school year during which instruction is regularly given to students

— in terms of

: with respect to or in relation to <thinks of everything in terms of money>

— on one's own terms

: in accordance with one's wishes : in one's own way <prefers to live on his own terms>

See term defined for English-language learners

See term defined for kids

Origin of TERM

Middle English terme, from Anglo-French, from Latin terminus boundary marker, limit; akin to Greek termōn boundary, end, Sanskrit tarman top of a post

First Known Use: 13th century

Related to TERM

Synonyms: hitch, stint, tenure, tour

Rhymes with TERM

berm, firm, germ, herm, perm, sperm, squirm, therm, worm

²term

transitive verb

: to give a particular name or description to (something) : to call (something) by a particular name or to describe (something) in a particular way

Full Definition of TERM

: to apply a term to : call, name

First Known Use of TERM

circa 1557

Related to TERM

Synonyms: baptize, call, christen, clepe [archaic], denominate, designate, dub, entitle, label, nominate, style, name, title

TERM Defined for Kids

¹term

noun \ˈtərm\

Definition of TERM for Kids

: a word or expression that has an exact meaning in some uses or is limited to a subject or field <legal terms>

: a period of time fixed especially by law or custom <a school term>

terms plural : conditions that limit the nature and scope of something (as a treaty or a will) <the terms of a contract>

terms plural : relationship between people <I'm on good terms with the neighbors.>

: any one of the numbers in a series

: the numerator or denominator of a fraction

Word Root of TERM

The Latin word terminus, meaning “boundary” or “limit,” gives us the root termin or term. Words from the Latin terminus have something to do with boundaries or limits. A term is a limited period of time during which something, such as school, occurs or exists. To determine is to set exact boundaries for something. To terminate, or cause to end, is to take to a boundary or limit.