n. & adj.
--n.
1. the position in a sequence corresponding to the number 12 in the sequence 1-12.
2 something occupying this position.
3 each of twelve equal parts of a thing.
4 Mus. a an interval or chord spanning an octave and a fifth in the diatonic scale. b a note separated from another by this interval.
--adj. that is the twelfth.
Phrases and idioms:
Twelfth Day 6 Jan., the twelfth day after Christmas, the festival of the Epiphany. twelfth man a reserve member of a cricket team. Twelfth Night the evening of 5 Jan., the eve of the Epiphany. twelfth part sense 3 of n.
Derivatives:
twelfthly adv.
Etymology: OE twelfta (as TWELVE)