terms

term  (tûrm)

n.

1.

a. A limited period of time.

b. A period of time that is assigned to a person to serve: a six-year term as senator. See Synonyms at period.

c. A period when a school or court is in session.

2.

a. A point in time at which something ends; termination: an apprenticeship nearing its term.

b. The end of a normal gestation period: carried the fetus to term.

c. A deadline, as for making a payment.

3. Law

a. A fixed period of time for which an estate is granted.

b. An estate granted for a fixed period.

4.

a. A word or group of words having a particular meaning: had to explain the term gridlock.

b. terms Language of a certain kind; chosen words: spoke in rather vague terms; praised him in glowing terms.

5. One of the elements of a proposed or concluded agreement; a condition. Often used in the plural: offered favorable peace terms; one of the terms of the lease; the terms of a divorce settlement.

6. terms The relationship between two people or groups; personal footing: on good terms with her in-laws.

7. Mathematics

a. One of the quantities composing a ratio or fraction or forming a series.

b. One of the quantities connected by addition or subtraction signs in an equation; a member.

8. Logic Each of the two concepts being compared or related in a proposition.

9.

a. A stone or post marking a boundary, especially a squared and downward-tapering pillar adorned with a head and upper torso.

b. An architectural or decorative motif resembling such a marker.

tr.v. termed, term·ing, terms

To designate; call.

Idiom:

in terms of

1. As measured or indicated by; in units of: distances expressed in terms of kilometers as well as miles; cheap entertainment, but costly in terms of time wasted.

2. In relation to; with reference to: "facilities planned and programmed in terms of their interrelationships, instead of evolving haphazardly" (Wharton Magazine).

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[Middle English terme, from Old French, from Latin terminus, boundary. N., senses 4-8, from Middle English, from Medieval Latin terminus, from Late Latin, mathematical or logical term, from Latin, boundary, limit.]

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terms [tɜːmz]

pl n

1. (usually specified prenominally) the actual language or mode of presentation used he described the project in loose terms

2. conditions of an agreement you work here on our terms

3. (Business / Commerce) a sum of money paid for a service or credit; charges

4. (usually preceded by on) mutual relationship or standing they are on affectionate terms

in terms of as expressed by; regarding in terms of money he was no better off

come to terms to reach acceptance or agreement to come to terms with one's failings

Thesaurus

Noun	1.	terms - status with respect to the relations between people or groups; "on good terms with her in-laws"; "on a friendly footing" footing status, position - the relative position or standing of things or especially persons in a society; "he had the status of a minor"; "the novel attained the status of a classic"; "atheists do not enjoy a favorable position in American life"
	2.	terms - the amount of money needed to purchase something; "the price of gasoline"; "he got his new car on excellent terms"; "how much is the damage?" price, damage cost - the total spent for goods or services including money and time and labor asking price, selling price - the price at which something is offered for sale bid price - (stock market) the price at which a broker is willing to buy a certain security closing price - (stock market) the price of the last transaction completed during a day's trading session factory price - price charged for goods picked up at the factory highway robbery - an exorbitant price; "what they are asking for gas these days is highway robbery" purchase price - the price at which something is actually purchased cash price, spot price - the current delivery price of a commodity traded in the spot market support level - (stock market) the price at which a certain security becomes attractive to investors valuation - assessed price; "the valuation of this property is much too high"