Definition of 'term'

Word Frequency

term

(tɜrm )

Word forms: terms, terming, termed

3. countable noun

A term is a word or expression with a specific meaning, especially one which is used in relation to a particular subject.

Myocardial infarction is the medical term for a heart attack.

4. transitive verb

If you say that something is termed a particular thing, you mean that that is what people call it or that is their opinion of it.

He had been termed a temporary employee.

5. variable noun

A term is one of the periods of time that a school, college, or university divides the year into.

...the summer term.

6. countable noun

A term is a period of time between two elections during which a particular party or government is in power.

Nixon never completed his term of office.

7. countable noun

A term is a period of time that someone spends doing a particular job or in a particular place.

...a 12 month term of service.

8. countable noun

A term is the period for which a legal contract or insurance policy is valid.

Premiums are guaranteed throughout the term of the policy.

9. uncountable noun

The term of a woman's pregnancy is the nine month period that it lasts. Term is also used to refer to the end of the nine month period.

That makes her the first TV presenter to work the full term of her pregnancy.

10. plural noun

The terms of an agreement, treaty, or other arrangement are the conditions that must be accepted by the people involved in it.

...the terms of the Helsinki agreement.

11.

come to terms with

12.

on equal terms/on the same terms

13.

14.

15.

16.

17. in no uncertain terms

Video: pronunciation of 'term'

Word Frequency

term in American 1

(tɜrm ; tʉrm)

noun

1. Archaic

a point of time designating the beginning or end of a period

a set date, as for payment, termination of tenancy, etc.

a set period of time; duration

; specif.,

a division of a school year, as a semester or quarter, during which a course of studies is given

b. US

the stipulated duration of an appointment to a particular office

elected to a four-year term

the normal elapsed period for birth after conception; also, delivery at the end of this period; parturition

4. [pl.]

conditions of a contract, agreement, sale, etc.

5. [pl.]

mutual relationship between or among persons; footing

on speaking terms

a word or phrase having a limiting and definite meaning in some science, art, etc.

“tergum” is a zoological term

any word or phrase used in a definite or precise sense; expression

a colloquial term

8. [pl.]

words that express ideas in a specified way

to speak in derogatory terms

a. Rare

a limit; boundary; extremity

b. [pl.]; Obsolete

conditions; circumstances

10. Architecture

a boundary post, esp. one consisting of a pedestal topped by a bust, as of the god Terminus

11. Law

the time a court is in session

the length of time for which an estate is granted

the estate itself

time allowed a debtor to pay

12. Logic

either of two concepts that have a stated relation, as the subject and predicate of a proposition

any of the three elements which function variously as subjects and predicates in a syllogism

13. Ancient Mathematics

either of the two quantities of a fraction or a ratio

each of the quantities in a series or sequence

each of the quantities connected by plus or minus signs in an algebraic expression

verb transitive

14.

to call by a term; name

Idioms:

bring to terms

come to terms

in terms of

Word origin of 'term'

ME terme < OFr < L terminus, a limit, boundary, end < IE *termṇ, a boundary stake < base *ter-, to cross over, go beyond > trans-, Gr terma, goal

Word Frequency

term in American 2

terminal

termination

Word Frequency

term in British

(tɜːm )

noun

a name, expression, or word used for some particular thing, esp in a specialized field of knowledge

a medical term

any word or expression

a limited period of time

her second term of office

a prison term

any of the divisions of the academic year during which a school, college, etc, is in session

a point in time determined for an event or for the end of a period

6. Also called: full term

the period at which childbirth is imminent

7. law

an estate or interest in land limited to run for a specified period

a term of years

the duration of an estate, etc

(formerly) a period of time during which sessions of courts of law were held

time allowed to a debtor to settle

8. mathematics

either of the expressions the ratio of which is a fraction or proportion, any of the separate elements of a sequence, or any of the individual addends of a polynomial or series

9. logic

the word or phrase that forms either the subject or predicate of a proposition

a name or variable, as opposed to a predicate

one of the relata of a relation

any of the three subjects or predicates occurring in a syllogism

10. Also called: terminal, terminus, terminal figure architecture

a sculptured post, esp one in the form of an armless bust or an animal on the top of a square pillar

11. Australian Rules football the usual word for quarter (sense 10)

12. archaic

a boundary or limit

verb

13. (transitive)

to designate; call

he was termed a thief

Derived forms

termly (ˈtermly)

adverb

Word origin of 'term'

C13: from Old French terme, from Latin terminus end

Example sentences containing 'term'

These examples have been automatically selected and may contain sensitive content. Read more…

Taking out a mortgage product with an initial term of five years or more may help. Times, Sunday Times (2017)You may get cheap meat but in the long term it will add to public health problems. The Sun (2016)He was almost certain to win a fourth term. Times, Sunday Times (2016)The pairing of the two men comes as a surprise because their terms in office did not overlap. Times, Sunday Times (2016)Most lenders have relaxed their criteria around the maximum age of applicants at the end of the term. Times, Sunday Times (2017)It was like the class in the final week of term just waiting for it all to end. The Sun (2016)But many people suffer long term, milder back pain. The Sun (2016)Britain's economy will suffer over the long term without one. Times, Sunday Times (2017)That also matched last term's tally of four away victories. The Sun (2016)We have a young spin attack in terms of Test experience and I thought they handled themselves well. The Sun (2016)The end of the summer term also signals the time when families move out of the capital. Times, Sunday Times (2013)You can say no to unfair demands and still stay on good terms with people. The Sun (2014)The period between terms of employment should be longer than a month. Times, Sunday Times (2014)Addressing standard payment terms is only one aspect of the payment issues affecting suppliers. Times, Sunday Times (2015)The crucial issue is whether the short term morphs into something enduring. Times, Sunday Times (2015)Promise it by the end of our term in office? Times, Sunday Times (2011)Second terms are normally more awkward for a president than the initial term of office. Times, Sunday Times (2006)What one radical activity could benefit the city in the long term? Times, Sunday Times (2013)See website for eligibility criteria and full terms and conditions. Times, Sunday Times (2009)Terms of the agreement will remain confidential. Times, Sunday Times (2008)We work assiduously for employees whose terms and conditions are often suffering. Times, Sunday Times (2007)The offence carries a maximum jail term of six months. The Sun (2011)They must come to terms with the realities of the modern media. Times, Sunday Times (2008)Can be used for the short or long term. Westcott, Patsy Alternative Health Care for Women (1991)One took place about five years into our term with the church when the elders conducted my annual job review. Christianity Today (2000)The concentration is going to be very important in dealing with all the issues in terms of attacking and defending. Times, Sunday Times (2011)Can you clean up last term's lunch box? The Sun (2013)Early offensive actions would end the war on US terms. McInnes, Colin NATO's Changing Strategic Agenda (1990)He's hoping to win a record third term in national elections next month on the back of ending the civil war and a postwar economic rebound. Times, Sunday Times (2014)