Definition of term
1 a
: a word or expression that has a precise meaning in some uses or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or subject
- legal terms
b
terms plural
: expression of a specified kind
- described in glowing terms
b
: the whole period for which an estate is granted;
also
: the estate or interest held by one for a term
c
: the time during which a court is in session
3
: division in a school year during which instruction is regularly given to students
4
terms plural
: provisions that determine the nature and scope of an agreement : conditions
- terms of sale
- liberal credit terms
5
terms plural
a
: mutual relationship : footing
- on good terms
c
: a state of acceptance or understanding
- came to terms with the failure of his marriage
6 a
: the time at which a pregnancy of normal length terminates
- had her baby at full term
b
: end, termination;
also
: a point in time assigned to something (such as a payment)
7 a
: a unitary or compound expression connected with another by a plus or minus sign
b
: an element of a fraction or proportion or of a series or sequence
8
: any of the three substantive elements of a syllogism
9
: a quadrangular pillar often tapering downward and adorned on the top with the figure of a head or the upper part of the body
—
in terms of
: with respect to or in relation to
- thinks of everything in terms of money
—
on one's own terms
: in accordance with one's wishes : in one's own way
- prefers to live on his own terms
