Term Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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term
[tɜːm ]
Definitions
in technology
A term is a single word or phrase used to describe a concept, idea, or object in a specific field or discipline.
Synonyms
designation, expression, word.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| term |
See above entry for context and examples. |
| expression |
Used to indicate a phrase or a way of saying something, often reflecting a particular sentiment or idea.
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| designation |
Used to refer to a formal title or name given to something or someone in a professional or official context.
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| word |
Used in a general sense to refer to a single item of speech or writing, often in casual or informal settings.
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Examples of usage
- The term 'cloud computing' refers to the delivery of computing services over the internet.
- The term 'RAM' stands for Random Access Memory.
in legal context
In legal terms, a term refers to a provision or condition in a contract or agreement.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| term |
Used to specify the duration or period of time something lasts, often in contracts or agreements.
|
| condition |
Specifies the requirements or stipulations that must be met for something to happen or be valid. Often found in agreements to ensure certain criteria are fulfilled.
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| provision |
Refers to a specific arrangement or measure included in a formal document, typically meant to address particular issues or scenarios.
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| clause |
Refers to a specific provision or section within a larger legal document or contract. It’s often used in legal contexts to break down agreements into detailed parts.
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Examples of usage
- The terms of the agreement specify the responsibilities of each party involved.
- The payment terms must be agreed upon before signing the contract.
in mathematics
To term something is to designate or call it by a particular name or label.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| term |
This word is used when defining or describing something with a specific word or phrase. It often appears in academic, legal, or technical contexts.
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| label |
This word is often used in both literal and metaphorical contexts. Literally, it refers to marking an object with a piece of information, like a sticker or tag. Metaphorically, it can also mean categorizing people or things, sometimes with a negative connotation.
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| name |
Use this word when identifying or giving a specific title to somebody or something. It is used more broadly and casually compared to 'designate'.
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| designate |
This word is best used when officially assigning a position, title, or task to someone or something.
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Examples of usage
- In algebra, we often term certain expressions as 'variables' or 'constants'.
- The professor termed the phenomenon as 'quantum entanglement'.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Education
- In schools, a term often refers to a division of the academic year, helping organize classes and schedules.
- The term 'semester' is commonly used in many schools, marking a six-month academic period.
- In student life, the end of a term usually means exams and projects, which can be quite stressful!
Legal
- In legal documents, terms define the obligations and rights of the parties involved.
- A 'contract term' can specify how long the agreement lasts and what is expected from each party.
- Understanding legal terms is crucial, as they can change the context of agreements significantly.
Science
- In science, terms describe specific concepts, like 'termite' or 'diatom', providing a common language for researchers.
- The classification system in biology often uses terms to categorize living organisms, like species and genus.
- In mathematics, a term can represent a single number or variable in an expression, reflecting its contribution to the equation.
Pop Culture
- In music, a term might refer to specific phrases that convey particular emotions, like a 'hook' or 'chorus'.
- Commonly used terms in social media can trend and influence how people communicate or react.
- Popular films often introduce new terms or reinterprets existing ones, which can change everyday conversations.
Origin of 'term'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from the Latin 'terminus', which means 'end' or 'boundary'.
- It was first used in English during the 14th century, primarily in legal contexts.
- Originally, it referred to fixed points in a period, expanding its meaning over time.
The word 'term' originated from the Latin word 'terminus', which means boundary or limit. It entered the English language in the early 13th century. Over time, 'term' has evolved to encompass various meanings across different fields, from technology to law to mathematics.
See also: terminals, terminate, termination, terminology, termite, terms.