trifecta

trifecta

three major achievements in various fields; in horse racing: winning first, second, and third place in the correct order

Abused, Confused, & Misused Words by Mary Embree Copyright © 2007, 2013 by Mary Embree

tri·fec·ta

 (trī-fĕk′tə)

n.

1. A system of betting in which the bettor must pick the first three winners in the correct sequence. Also called triple.

2. A set or combination of three things: "the media's portrayal of the moral trifecta of sex, violence, and profanity" (Gregory Stevenson).

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[tri- + (per)fecta.]

American Heritage® Dictionary of the English Language, Fifth Edition. Copyright © 2016 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt Publishing Company. All rights reserved.

trifecta

(traɪˈfɛktə)

n

1. (Gambling, except Cards) a form of betting in which the punter selects the first three place-winners in a horse race in the correct order

2. any achievement involving three successful outcomes

[from tri- + (per)fecta, a US system of betting]

Collins English Dictionary – Complete and Unabridged, 12th Edition 2014 © HarperCollins Publishers 1991, 1994, 1998, 2000, 2003, 2006, 2007, 2009, 2011, 2014

tri•fect•a

(ˈtraɪˌfɛk tə)

n., pl. -fect•as.

a type of bet, esp. on horse races, in which the bettor must select the first three finishers in exact order.

Also called triple.

[1970–75; tri- + (per) fecta]

Random House Kernerman Webster's College Dictionary, © 2010 K Dictionaries Ltd. Copyright 2005, 1997, 1991 by Random House, Inc. All rights reserved.