First Known Use: 15th century
Dictionary
ternary
adjective ter·na·ry \ˈtər-nə-rē\
Definition of TERNARY
1
a : of, relating to, or proceeding by threes b : having three elements, parts, or divisions c : arranged in threes <ternary petals>
2
: using three as the base <a ternary logarithm>
3
a : being or consisting of an alloy of three elements b : of, relating to, or containing three different elements, atoms, radicals, or groups <sulfuric acid is a ternary acid>
4
: third in order or rank
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Origin of TERNARY
Middle English, from Latin ternarius, from terni three each; akin to Latin tres three — more at three
Medical Dictionary
ternary
adjective ter·na·ry \ˈtər-nə-rē\
Medical Definition of TERNARY
1
: having three elements, parts, or divisions
2
a : being or consisting of an alloy of three elements b : of, relating to, or containing three different elements, atoms, radicals, or groups <a ternary acid>
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