Adjacent Words

Term definitions

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Webster's 1828 Dictionary

TERM, n. [L. terminus, a limit or boundary.]
1. A limit; a bound or boundary; the extremity of any thing; that which limits its extent.
Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms or boundaries.
2. The time for which any thing lasts; any limited time; as the term of five years; the term of life.
3. In geometry, a point or line that limits. A line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.
4. In law, the limitation of an estate; or rather the whole time or duration of an estate; as a lease for the term of life, for the term of three lives, for the term of twenty one years.
5. In law, the time in which a court is held or open for the trial of causes. In England,there are four terms in the year; Hilary term, from January 23d to February 12th; Easter term, from Wednesday, fortnight after Easter, to the Monday next after Ascension day; Trinity term, from Friday next after Trinity Sunday to the Wednesday, fortnight after; and Michaelmas term, from November 6th to the 28th. These terms are observed by the courts of king's bench, the common pleas and exchequer, but not by the parliament, the chancery or by inferior courts. The rest of the year is called vacation. In the United States, the terms to be observed by the tribunals of justice, are prescribed by the statutes of congress and of the several states.
6. In universities and colleges, the time during which instruction is regularly given to students, who are obliged by the statutes and laws of the institution to attend to the recitations, lectures and other exercises.
7. In grammar, a word or expression; that which fixes or determines ideas.
In painting, the greatest beauties cannot be always expressed for want of terms.
8. In the arts, a word or expression that denotes something peculiar to an art; as a technical term.
9. In logic, a syllogism consists of three terms, the major, the minor, and the middle. The predicate of the conclusion is called the major term, because it is the most general, and the subject of the conclusion is called the minor term, because it is less general. These are called the extremes; and the third term, introduced as a common measure between them, is called the mean or middle term. Thus in the following syllogism.
Every vegetable is combustible;
Every tree is vegetable;
Therefore every tree is combustible.
Combustible is the predicate of the conclusion, or the major term; every tree is the minor term; vegetable is the middle term.
10. In architecture, a kind of statues or columns adorned on the top with the figure of a head, either of a man, woman or satyr. Terms are sometimes used as consoles, and sustain entablatures; and sometimes as statues to adorn gardens.
11. Among the ancients, terms, termini miliares, were the heads of certain divinities placed on square land-marks of stone, to mark the several stadia on roads. These were dedicated to Mercury, who was supposed to preside over highways.
12. In algebra, a member of a compound quantity; as a, in a+b; or ab, in ab+cd.
13. Among physicians, the monthly courses of females are called terms.
14. In contracts, terms, in the plural, are conditions; propositions stated or promises made, which when assented to or accepted by another, settle the contract and bind the parties. A engages to build a house for B for a specific sum of money, in a given time; these are his terms. When B promises to give to A that sum for building the house, he has agreed to the terms; the contract is completed and binding upon both parties.
Terms of proportion, in mathematics, are such numbers, letters or quantities as are compared one with another.
To make terms, to come to an agreement.
To come to terms, to agree; to come to an agreement.
To bring to terms, to reduce to submission or to conditions.
TERM, v.t. To name; to call; to denominate.
Men term what is beyond the limits of the universe, imaginary space.

WordNet (r) 3.0 (2005)

n
1: a word or expression used for some particular thing; "he learned many medical terms"
2: a limited period of time; "a prison term"; "he left school before the end of term"
3: (usually plural) a statement of what is required as part of an agreement; "the contract set out the conditions of the lease"; "the terms of the treaty were generous" [syn: condition, term]
4: any distinct quantity contained in a polynomial; "the general term of an algebraic equation of the n-th degree"
5: one of the substantive phrases in a logical proposition; "the major term of a syllogism must occur twice"
6: the end of gestation or point at which birth is imminent; "a healthy baby born at full term" [syn: term, full term]
7: (architecture) a statue or a human bust or an animal carved out of the top of a square pillar; originally used as a boundary marker in ancient Rome [syn: terminus, terminal figure, term] v
1: name formally or designate with a term

Merriam Webster's

I. noun Etymology: Middle English terme, from Anglo-French, from Latin terminus boundary marker, limit; akin to Greek term?n boundary, end, Sanskrit tarman top of a post Date: 13th century 1. 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> 2. 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 3. plural provisions that determine the nature and scope of an agreement ; conditions <terms of sale> <liberal credit terms> 4. 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> 5. 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 6. 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> 7. any of the three substantive elements of a syllogism 8. a quadrangular pillar often tapering downward and adorned on the top with the figure of a head or the upper part of the body 9. division in a school year during which instruction is regularly given to students II. transitive verb Date: circa 1557 to apply a term to ; call, name

Oxford Reference Dictionary

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 £20 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). Phrases and idioms: bring 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. Derivatives: termless adj. termly adj. & adv. Etymology: ME f. OF terme f. L TERMINUS

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Term Term, n. [F. terme, L. termen, -inis, terminus, a boundary limit, end; akin to Gr. ?, ?. See Thrum a tuft, and cf. Terminus, Determine, Exterminate.] 1. That which limits the extent of anything; limit; extremity; bound; boundary. Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms, or boundaries. --Bacon. 2. The time for which anything lasts; any limited time; as, a term of five years; the term of life. 3. In universities, schools, etc., a definite continuous period during which instruction is regularly given to students; as, the school year is divided into three terms. 4. (Geom.) A point, line, or superficies, that limits; as, a line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid. 5. (Law) A fixed period of time; a prescribed duration; as: (a) The limitation of an estate; or rather, the whole time for which an estate is granted, as for the term of a life or lives, or for a term of years. (b) A space of time granted to a debtor for discharging his obligation. (c) The time in which a court is held or is open for the trial of causes. --Bouvier. Note: In England, there were formerly four terms in the year, during which the superior courts were open: Hilary term, beginning on the 11th and ending on the 31st of January; Easter term, beginning on the 15th of April, and ending on the 8th of May; Trinity term, beginning on the 22d day of May, and ending on the 12th of June; Michaelmas term, beginning on the 2d and ending on the 25th day of November. The rest of the year was called vacation. But this division has been practically abolished by the Judicature Acts of 1873, 1875, which provide for the more convenient arrangement of the terms and vacations. In the United States, the terms to be observed by the tribunals of justice are prescribed by the statutes of Congress and of the several States. 6. (Logic) The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice. The subject and predicate of a proposition are, after Aristotle, together called its terms or extremes. --Sir W. Hamilton. Note: The predicate of the conclusion is called the major term, because it is the most general, and the subject of the conclusion is called the minor term, because it is less general. These are called the extermes; and the third term, introduced as a common measure between them, is called the mean or middle term. Thus in the following syllogism, -- Every vegetable is combustible; Every tree is a vegetable; Therefore every tree is combustible, - combustible, the predicate of the conclusion, is the major term; tree is the minor term; vegetable is the middle term. 7. A word or expression; specifically, one that has a precisely limited meaning in certain relations and uses, or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or the like; as, a technical term. ``Terms quaint of law.'' --Chaucer. In painting, the greatest beauties can not always be expressed for want of terms. --Dryden. 8. (Arch.) A quadrangular pillar, adorned on the top with the figure of a head, as of a man, woman, or satyr; -- called also terminal figure. See Terminus, n., 2 and 3. Note: The pillar part frequently tapers downward, or is narrowest at the base. Terms rudely carved were formerly used for landmarks or boundaries. --Gwilt. 9. (Alg.) A member of a compound quantity; as, a or b in a + b; ab or cd in ab - cd. 10. pl. (Med.) The menses. 11. pl. (Law) Propositions or promises, as in contracts, which, when assented to or accepted by another, settle the contract and bind the parties; conditions. 12. (Law) In Scotland, the time fixed for the payment of rents. Note: Terms legal and conventional in Scotland correspond to quarter days in England and Ireland. There are two legal terms -- Whitsunday, May 15, and Martinmas, Nov. 11; and two conventional terms -- Candlemas, Feb. 2, and Lammas day, Aug. 1. --Mozley & W. 13. (Naut.) A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail. --J. Knowels. In term, in set terms; in formal phrase. [Obs.] I can not speak in term. --Chaucer. Term fee (Law) (a), a fee by the term, chargeable to a suitor, or by law fixed and taxable in the costs of a cause for each or any term it is in court. Terms of a proportion (Math.), the four members of which it is composed. To bring to terms, to compel (one) to agree, assent, or submit; to force (one) to come to terms. To make terms, to come to terms; to make an agreement: to agree. Syn: Limit; bound; boundary; condition; stipulation; word; expression. Usage: Term, Word. These are more frequently interchanged than almost any other vocables that occur of the language. There is, however, a difference between them which is worthy of being kept in mind. Word is generic; it denotes an utterance which represents or expresses our thoughts and feelings. Term originally denoted one of the two essential members of a proposition in logic, and hence signifies a word of specific meaning, and applicable to a definite class of objects. Thus, we may speak of a scientific or a technical term, and of stating things in distinct terms. Thus we say, ``the term minister literally denotes servant;'' ``an exact definition of terms is essential to clearness of thought;'' ``no term of reproach can sufficiently express my indignation;'' ``every art has its peculiar and distinctive terms,'' etc. So also we say, ``purity of style depends on the choice of words, and precision of style on a clear understanding of the terms used.'' Term is chiefly applied to verbs, nouns, and adjectives, these being capable of standing as terms in a logical proposition; while prepositions and conjunctions, which can never be so employed, are rarely spoken of as terms, but simply as words.

Webster's 1913 Dictionary

Term Term, v. t. [imp. & p. p. Termed; p. pr. & vb. n. Terming.] [See Term, n., and cf. Terminate.] To apply a term to; to name; to call; to denominate. Men term what is beyond the limits of the universe ``imaginary space.'' --Locke.

Collin's Cobuild Dictionary

(terms, terming, termed) Frequency: The word is one of the 700 most common words in English. 1. If you talk about something in terms of something or in particular terms, you are specifying which aspect of it you are discussing or from what point of view you are considering it. Our goods compete in terms of product quality, reliability and above all variety... Paris has played a dominant role in France, not just in political terms but also in economic power. PHRASE: PHR after v, PHR with cl 2. If you say something in particular terms, you say it using a particular type or level of language or using language which clearly shows your attitude. The video explains in simple terms how the new tax works... PHRASE: usu PHR after v, PHR with cl 3. 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. N-COUNT: usu with supp 4. 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... He termed the war a humanitarian nightmare. VERB: be V-ed n, V n n 5. A term is one of the periods of time that a school, college, or university divides the year into. ...the summer term. ...the last day of term. N-VAR 6. A term is a period of time between two elections during which a particular party or government is in power. Felipe Gonzalez won a fourth term of office in Spain's election. N-COUNT: with supp 7. 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... Offenders will be liable to a seven-year prison term. N-COUNT: with supp 8. A term is the period for which a legal contract or insurance policy is valid. Premiums are guaranteed throughout the term of the policy. N-COUNT: with supp 9. 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. Women over 40 seem to be just as capable of carrying a baby to term as younger women. N-UNCOUNT 10. 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... N-PLURAL: usu with supp 11. If you come to terms with something difficult or unpleasant, you learn to accept and deal with it. She had come to terms with the fact that her husband would always be crippled. PHRASE: V inflects, PHR n 12. If two people or groups compete on equal terms or on the same terms, neither of them has an advantage over the other. I had at last found a sport where I could compete on equal terms with able-bodied people... PHRASE: PHR after v 13. If two people are on good terms or on friendly terms, they are friendly with each other. Madeleine is on good terms with Sarah... PHRASE: v-link PHR, PHR after v 14. You use the expressions in the long term, in the short term, and in the medium term to talk about what will happen over a long period of time, over a short period of time, and over a medium period of time. The agreement should have very positive results in the long term... PHRASE: PHR with cl see also long-term, medium-term, short-term 15. If you do something on your terms, you do it under conditions that you decide because you are in a position of power. They will sign the union treaty only on their terms. PHRASE: PHR after v 16. If you say that you are thinking in terms of doing a particular thing, you mean that you are considering it. United should be thinking in terms of winning the European Cup... PHRASE: V inflects, PHR -ing/n 17. in no uncertain terms: see uncertain in real terms: see real on speaking terms: see speak

Soule's Dictionary of English Synonyms

I. n. 1. Limit, boundary, bound, confine, bourn, mete, terminus. 2. Time, season, spell, space of time, period of time. 3. Word (considered as having a definite meaning; particularly a technical word), expression, name, denomination. 4. Member (of a syllogism, of an equation, of a fraction, of a proportion, etc.). II. v. a. Designate, denominate, name, style, entitle, call, phrase, dub, christen.

Moby Thesaurus

Z, abundant year, academic year, adjectival phrase, administration, agree, annum, antonym, apodosis, appellation, arrange, articles, articulation, as regards, assumptions, balance, baptize, basis, bissextile year, border line, bound, boundary, boundary condition, boundary line, bourn, break boundary, breakoff point, calendar month, calendar year, call, catastrophe, ceasing, ceiling, century, cessation, christen, chronology, circumscription, clause, clauses, coda, come to terms, common year, compass, compromise, concerning, conclusion, condition, conditions, confine, confines, construction, consummation, continuity, continuous tenure, course, crack of doom, culmination, curtain, curtains, cutoff, cutoff point, day, deadline, death, decade, decease, decennary, decennium, defective year, define, delimitation, denominate, denouement, designate, designation, destination, destiny, detail, determinant, division line, doom, dub, duration, duree, effect, end, end point, ending, enlistment, entitle, envoi, epilogue, eschatology, exception, expiration, expression, extremity, fate, final solution, final twitch, final words, finale, finality, finis, finish, fiscal year, floor, footing, fortnight, free form, frontier, glosseme, go, goal, headed group, hedge, high-water mark, hitch, homograph, homonym, homophone, hour, icon, identify, idiom, idiotism, in relation to, incumbency, interface, interval, item, izzard, label, last, last breath, last gasp, last things, last trumpet, last words, lastingness, latter end, leap year, lexeme, lexical form, limen, limit, limitation, limiting factor, line, line of demarcation, linguistic form, locution, logos, low-water mark, lower limit, lunar month, lunar year, lunation, luster, lustrum, man-hour, manner of speaking, march, mark, mete, metonym, microsecond, millennium, millisecond, minimum free form, minute, moment, monosyllable, month, moon, morpheme, name, nickname, nominate, noun phrase, omega, paragraph, particular, payment, payoff, peculiar expression, period, peroration, phase, phrasal idiom, phrase, point, polysyllable, position, prison term, provision, provisions, proviso, psychological time, qualification, quarter, quietus, quinquennium, rates, reconcile, regarding, regular year, relating to, relations, relationship, relative to, reservation, resolution, resting place, schedule, second, semasiological unit, sememe, semester, sentence, session, set phrase, settle, sidereal year, sign, signifiant, significant, sitting, solar year, space, space-time, span, specify, spell, standard phrase, standing, start, starting line, starting point, stint, stipulation, stipulations, stoppage, stopping place, stretch, string, strings, style, sun, swan song, syllable, symbol, synonym, syntactic structure, tag, target date, tense, tenure, terminal, terminal date, termination, terminus, terms, the future, the past, the present, threshold, tide, time, time allotment, timebinding, title, token, tour, trimester, turn, turn of expression, turn of phrase, twelvemonth, type, upper limit, usage, utterance, verb complex, verb phrase, verbalism, verbum, vocable, way of speaking, week, weekday, while, windup, with regard to, word, word-group, year