■ noun
1》 a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept.
↘( ~s ) a way of expressing oneself: a protest in the strongest ~s.
↘ Logic a word or words that may be the subject or predicate of a proposition.
2》 a fixed or limited period for which something lasts or is intended to last.
↘(also ~ day ) (especially in Scotland) a fixed day of the year appointed for the making of payments, the start of tenancies, etc.
↘(also full ~ ) the completion of a normal length of pregnancy.
↘( Brit. also ~ of years or US ~ for years ) Law a tenancy of a fixed period.
↘ archaic a limit, especially of time.
3》 each of the periods in the year during which instruction is given in a school, college, etc., or during which a law court holds sessions.
4》 ( ~s ) stipulated or agreed requirements.
↘conditions with regard to payment.
↘agreed conditions under which a dispute is settled.
5》 Mathematics each of the quantities in a ratio, series, or mathematical expression.
6》 Architecture a ~inus.
■ verb call by a specified ~.
Phrases
come to ~s with reconcile oneself to.
in ~s of (or in —— ~s ) with regard to the aspect or subject specified.
the long/short/medium ~ a period that is a specified way into the future.
on ~s in a state of friendship or equality.
↘(in sport) level in score.
on —— ~s on a specified footing.
~s of reference Brit. the scope of an inquiry or discussion.
Derivatives
~ly adjective & adverb ( Brit. ).
Origin
ME: from OFr. ~e , from L. ~inus 'end, boundary, limit'.