Word forms: plural, 3rd person singular presenttense terms, present participle terming, past tense, past participle termed
1.
See in terms of
2.
See in particular terms
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. [+ for]
Synonyms: word, name, expression, title More Synonyms of term
4. 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. [beVERB-ed noun]
He termed the war a humanitarian nightmare. [VERB noun noun]
[Also V n as n]
Synonyms: call, name, label, style More Synonyms of term
5. variable noun
A term is one of the periods of time that a school, college, or university divides the yearinto.
...the summer term.
...the last day of term.
Synonyms: session, course, quarter [US], semester More Synonyms of term
6. countable noun
A term is a period of time between two elections during which a particular party or government is in power.
He won a fourth term of office in the election.
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. [+ of]
Offenders will be liable to a seven-year prison term.
Synonyms: period, time, spell, while More Synonyms of term
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. [+ of]
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.
Two of her pregnancies failed to reach full term.
Women over 40 seem to be just as capable of carrying a baby to term as younger women.
Synonyms: conclusion, end, close, finish More Synonyms of term
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.
They are discussing the terms of the peace agreement. [+ of]
Mayor Rendell imposed the new contract terms.
11.
See come to terms with
12.
See on equal terms/on the same terms
13.
See on good terms
14.
See in the long term
15. See also long-term, medium-term, short-term
16.
See on your terms
17.
See think in terms of
18. a contradiction in terms
19. in no uncertain terms
20. in real terms
21. on speaking terms
term in British English
(tɜːm)
noun
1.
a name, expression, or word used for some particular thing, esp in a specialized field of knowledge
a medical term
2.
any word or expression
3.
a limited period of time
her second term of office
a prison term
4.
any of the divisions of the academic year during which a school, college, etc, is in session
5.
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
a.
an estate or interest in land limited to run for a specified period
a term of years
b.
the duration of an estate, etc
c.
(formerly) a period of time during which sessions of courts of law were held
d.
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
a.
the word or phrase that forms either the subject or predicate of a proposition
b.
a name or variable, as opposed to a predicate
c.
one of the relata of a relation
d.
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
C13: from Old French terme, from Latin terminus end
term in American English1
(tɜrm)
noun
1. Archaic
a point of time designating the beginning or end of a period
2.
a set date, as for payment, termination of tenancy, etc.
3.
a set period of time; duration
; specif.,
a.
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
c.
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
6.
a word or phrase having a limiting and definite meaning in some science, art, etc.
“tergum” is a zoological term
7.
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
9.
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
a.
the time a court is in session
b.
the length of time for which an estate is granted
c.
the estate itself
d.
time allowed a debtor to pay
12. Logic
a.
either of two concepts that have a stated relation, as the subject and predicate of a proposition
b.
any of the three elements which function variously as subjects and predicates ina syllogism
13. Ancient Mathematics
a.
either of the two quantities of a fraction or a ratio
b.
each of the quantities in a series or sequence
c.
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
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
term in American English2
1.
terminal
2.
termination
Examples of 'term' in a sentence
term
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)
In other languages
term
British English: term /tɜːm/ NOUN
expression A term is a word or expression with a specific meaning.
`Myocardial infarction' is the medical term for a heart attack.
American English: term description
Arabic: تَعْبِير
Brazilian Portuguese: termo
Chinese: 词语
Croatian: termin
Czech: výraz odborný
Danish: betegnelse
Dutch: term woord
European Spanish: término
Finnish: termi
French: terme
German: Bezeichnung
Greek: όρος
Italian: termine
Japanese: 用語 description
Korean: 용어
Norwegian: betegnelse
Polish: zwrot
European Portuguese: termo
Romanian: cuvânt
Russian: термин
Latin American Spanish: término
Swedish: villkor
Thai: ระยะเวลาที่กำหนด
Turkish: terim
Ukrainian: термін
Vietnamese: thuật ngữ
British English: term /tɜːm/ NOUN
school, college, university A term is one of the periods of time that a school, college, or university year is divided into.
...the summer term.
American English: term division of year
Arabic: فَصْلٌ دِرَاسِيّ
Brazilian Portuguese: período
Chinese: 学期
Croatian: polugodište
Czech: pololetí školní
Danish: semester
Dutch: termijn
European Spanish: trimestre
Finnish: lukukausi
French: trimestre
German: Semester
Greek: χρονική περίοδος
Italian: trimestre
Japanese: 学期 division of year
Korean: 학기
Norwegian: termin
Polish: semestr
European Portuguese: período
Romanian: semestru
Russian: семестр
Latin American Spanish: trimestre
Swedish: termin
Thai: ภาคเรียน
Turkish: dönem akademik dönem
Ukrainian: семестр
Vietnamese: học kỳ
All related terms of 'term'
full term
the end of a pregnancy that lasted the full nine months
half term
Half-term is a short holiday in the middle of a school term.
jail term
a term of imprisonment imposed by a court
law term
an expression or word used in law
Lent term
the spring term at Cambridge University and some other educational establishments
long term
Something that is long-term has continued for a long time or will continue for a long time in the future .
near-term
of or for the immediate future
Easter term
the term at the Inns of Court following the Hilary term
field term
a university term spent in the field , such as a term spent in another country as part of a foreign language course
Hilary term
the spring term at Oxford University, the Inns of Court, and some other educational establishments
major term
the predicate of the conclusion of a syllogism , also occurring as the subject or predicate in the major premise
medium-term
The medium-term is the period of time which lasts a few months or years beyond the present time, in contrast with the short term or the long term.
middle term
the term that appears in both the major and minor premises of a syllogism , but not in the conclusion
minor term
the subject of the conclusion of a syllogism , also occurring as the subject or predicate in the minor premise
policy term
The policy term is the lifetime of an insurance policy.
short-term
Short-term is used to describe things that will last for a short time, or things that will have an effect soon rather than in the distant future .
summer term
the period in a school or university between the Easter and summer vacation
term paper
A term paper is an essay or report which a student writes on a subject that he or she has studied during a term at a school , college , or university .
term sheet
A term sheet is a non-binding listing of preliminary terms for venture capital financing .
implied term
a term which is not written in a contract but to which it is necessary to comply with or adhere to
inkhorn term
an affectedly learned and obscure borrowing from another language, esp Greek or Latin
Trinity term
the summer term at the Inns of Court and some educational establishments
Michaelmas term
the autumn term at Oxford and Cambridge Universities, the Inns of Court, and some other educational establishments
sabbatical term
denoting a period of leave granted to university staff , teachers , etc, esp approximately every seventh year
term insurance
life assurance , usually low in cost and offering no cash value, that provides for the payment of a specified sum of money only if the insured dies within a stipulated period of time
distributed term
a term applying equally to every member of the class it designates , as doctors in no doctors are overworked
long-term care
continuing care of sick or elderly people
long-term goal
Something that is your goal is something that you hope to achieve, especially when much time and effort will be needed.
long-term plan
A plan is a method of achieving something that you have worked out in detail beforehand .
long-term view
Your view of a particular subject is the way that you understand and think about it.
the long term
the time some years ahead , (as opposed to the immediate future )
fixed-term tenancy
a tenancy arrangement for a particular and fixed period
in the long term
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.
long-term benefit
The benefit of something is the help that you get from it or the advantage that results from it.
long-term growth
The growth of something such as an industry, organization, or idea is its development in size, wealth , or importance .
long-term illness
Illness is the fact or experience of being ill .
long-term memory
that section of the memory storage system in which experiences are stored on a semipermanent basis
long-term outlook
The outlook for something is what people think will happen in relation to it.
long-term partner
Your partner is the person you are married to or are having a romantic or sexual relationship with.
long-term problem
A problem is a situation that is unsatisfactory and causes difficulties for people.
long-term saving
If you save , you gradually collect money by spending less than you get , usually in order to buy something that you want.
long-term solution
A solution to a problem or difficult situation is a way of dealing with it so that the difficulty is removed.
long-term strategy
A strategy is a general plan or set of plans intended to achieve something, especially over a long period.
long-term survival
If you refer to the survival of something or someone, you mean that they manage to continue or exist in spite of difficult circumstances .
long-term target
A target is a result that you are trying to achieve .
long-term trend
A trend is a change or development towards something new or different.
long-term value
The value of something is how much money it is worth .
short-term benefit
The benefit of something is the help that you get from it or the advantage that results from it.
short-term memory
that section of the memory storage system of limited capacity ( approximately seven items ) that is capable of storing material for a brief period of time
short-term outlook
The outlook for something is what people think will happen in relation to it.
Chinese translation of 'term'
term
(təːm)
n(c)
(= word, expression) 词(詞)语(語) (cíyǔ)
⇒ a term of abuse骂人的词语 (mà rén de cíyǔ)
(= period) 期间(間) (qījiān)
⇒ Blair's second term of office as Premier布莱尔作为首相的第二个任期 (Bùlái'ěr zuòwéi shǒuxiàng de dì'èr gè rènqī)
(at school, university) 学(學)期 (xuéqī) (个(個), gè)
vt
(= call) 将(將) ... 称(稱)作 (jiāng ... chēngzuò)
⇒ The press termed the visit a triumph.媒体称这次访问非常成功。 (Méitǐ chēng zhè cì fǎngwèn fēicháng chénggōng.)
in simple/economic terms简(簡)单(單)/就经(經)济(濟)而言 (jiǎndān/jiù jīngjì ér yán)
in terms of the climate/economy就气(氣)候/经(經)济(濟)而言 (jiù qìhòu/jīngjì ér yán)
on easy terms (Comm) 以分期付款方式 (yǐ fēnqī fùkuǎn fāngshì)
in the short/long term短/长(長)期 (duǎn/chángqī)
to think/talk in terms of doing sth就做某事的角度来(來)考虑(慮)/说(說) (jiù zuò mǒushì de jiǎodù lái kǎolǜ/shuō)
to be on good terms关(關)系(係)好 (guānxì hǎo)
to be on good terms with sb与(與)某人关(關)系(係)好 (yǔ mǒurén guānxì hǎo)
on equal or the same terms按同样(樣)条(條)件 (àn tóngyàng tiáojiàn)
to come to terms with sth接受某事为(為)事实(實) (jiēshòu mǒushì wéi shìshí)