tə:m n. & v. --n. 1 a
word used to express a
definite concept,
esp. in a
particular branch of
study etc. (a
technical term). 2 (in pl.)
language used;
mode of
expression (answered in no
uncertain terms). 3 (in pl.) a
relation or
footing (we are on
familiar terms). 4 (in pl.) a conditions or stipulations (cannot
accept your terms; do it on your
own terms). b
charge or
price (his terms are ø20 a lesson). 5 a a
limited period of
some state or
activity (for a term of
five years). b a period
over which operations are conducted or results contemplated (in
the short term). c a period of some weeks, alternating
with holiday or
vacation,
during which
instruction is
given in a school,
college, or
university, or
Brit. during which a
lawcourt holds sessions. d a period of imprisonment. e a period of
tenure. 6
Logic a word or words
that may be the
subject or
predicate of a
proposition. 7
Math. a
each of the
two quantities in a
ratio. b each
quantity in a
series. c a
part of an expression joined to the rest by + or (e.g. a, b, c in a + b c). 8 the completion of a
normal length of
pregnancy. 9 an appointed
day, esp. a
Scottish quarter day. 10 (in full Brit. term of years or US term
for years)
Law an
interest in
land for a fixed period. 11 =
TERMINUS 6. 12
archaic a
boundary or
limit, esp. of
time. --v.tr.
denominate,
call;
assign a term to (the
music termed classical). øbring to terms
cause to accept conditions.
come to terms
yield,
give way. come to terms with 1
reconcile oneself to (a
difficulty etc.). 2
conclude an
agreement with. in set terms in definite terms. in terms explicitly. in terms of in the language
peculiar to, using as a
basis of expression or thought.
make terms conclude an agreement. on terms on terms of
friendship or
equality. term
paper US an
essay or
dissertation representative of the
work done during a term. terms of
reference Brit. points referred to an
individual or
body of persons for
decision or
report; the scope of an
inquiry etc.; a
definition of
this. terms of
trade Brit. the ratio
between prices
paid for imports
and those received for exports. øøtermless adj. termly adj. & adv. [ME f. OF terme f. L TERMINUS]
