term

Meanings

1. 1
   noun

   any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial

   the general term of an algebraic equation of the n-th degree

2. 2
   noun

   a word or expression used for some particular thing

   I learned many medical terms.

3. 3
   noun

   one of the substantive phrases in a logical proposition

   the major term of a syllogism must occur twice

4. 4
   noun

   a limited period of time

   a prison term

5. 5
   noun

   the end of gestation or point at which birth is imminent

   a healthy baby born at full term

6. 6
   noun

   That which limits the extent of anything; limit, extremity, bound, boundary, terminus.

   Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms, or boundaries.

7. 7
   noun

   A chronological limitation or restriction, a limited timespan.

   The term of a lease agreement is the period of time during which the lease is effective, and may be fixed, periodic, or of indefinite duration.

8. 8
   noun

   Any of the binding conditions or promises in a legal contract.

   Be sure to read the terms and conditions before signing.

Etymology

Etymology tree Proto-Indo-European *terh₂-? Proto-Indo-European *ter-? Proto-Indo-European *-mn̥ Proto-Indo-European *térmn̥der. Proto-Italic *termenos Latin terminus Old French termebor. Middle English terme English term From Middle English terme, borrowed from Old French terme, from Latin terminus (“a bound, boundary, limit, end; in Medieval Latin, also a time, period, word, covenant, etc.”), ultimately from Proto-Indo-European *térmn̥ (“stump, end, boundary”). Doublet of terminus and termon. Old English had termen, from the same source.