term

Definition of term

Etymology

From Middle English terme, from Old French terme, from Latin terminus (“a bound, boundary, limit, end, in Medieval Latin also a time, period, word, covenant, etc.”).

Pronunciation

• (RP) enPR: tûrm, IPA: /tɜːm/, SAMPA: /t3:m/
• (US) enPR: tûrm, IPA: /tɝm/, SAMPA: /t3`m/
• Rhymes: -ɜː(r)m
• Audio (US) ^[?]

Noun

term (plural terms)

1. limitation, restriction or regulation.
   
   terms and conditions
   
   
2. word or phrase, especially one from a specialised area of knowledge.
3. Relations among people.
   
   We are on friendly terms with each other.
   
   
4. part of a year, especially one of the three parts of an academic year.
5. duration of a set length; period in office of fixed length.
   
   He was sentenced to a term of six years in prison.
   near-term, mid-term and long-term goals
   
   
6. (of a patent) the maximum period during which the patent can be maintained into force