ternary

ter·na·ry

adj \ˈtər-nə-rē\

Definition of TERNARY

1

a : of, relating to, or proceeding by threes b : having three elements, parts, or divisions c : arranged in threes <ternary petals>

2

: using three as the base <a ternary logarithm>

3

a : being or consisting of an alloy of three elements b : of, relating to, or containing three different elements, atoms, radicals, or groups <sulfuric acid is a ternary acid>

4

: third in order or rank

Origin of TERNARY

Middle English, from Latin ternarius, from terni three each; akin to Latin tres three — more at three

First Known Use: 15th century

Rhymes with TERNARY

fernery, turnery