/ tɜːm; NAmE tɜːrm/ noun , verb
■ noun
—see also terms
1.
[ C ] a word or phrase used as the name of sth, especially one connected with a particular type of language :
a technical / legal / scientific, etc. term
a term of abuse
'Register' is the term commonly used to describe different levels of formality in language.
➡ note at word
2.
( NAmE also tri·mes·ter ) [ C , U ] (especially in Britain) one of the three periods in the year during which classes are held in schools, universities, etc. :
the spring / summer / autumn / fall term
Many students now have paid employment during term .
( BrE )
It's nearly the end of term .
( NAmE )
the end of the term
—see also semester , termly , term-time
3.
[ C ] a period of time for which sth lasts; a fixed or limited time :
during the president's first term of / in office
He faces a maximum prison / jail term of 25 years.
a long term of imprisonment
4.
[ sing. ] ( formal ) the end of a particular period of time, especially one for which an agreement, etc. lasts :
the term of the loan
His life had reached its natural term.
( medical )
The pregnancy went to full term (= lasted the normal length of time) .
5.
[ C ] ( mathematics ) each of the various parts in a series, an equation etc.
•
IDIOMS
- in terms of | in ... terms
- in the long / short / medium term
—see also long-term , medium-term , short-term
■ verb
[ often passive ] ( formal ) to use a particular name or word to describe sb/sth :
[ vn - n ]
At his age, he can hardly be termed a young man.
REM sleep is termed 'active' sleep.
[also vn - adj ]
••
WORD ORIGIN
Middle English (denoting a limit in space or time, or (in the plural) limiting conditions): from Old French terme , from Latin terminus end, boundary, limit.