Trimester: meaning, definitions and examples

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trimester

[ˈtrʌɪmɛstər ]

Definitions

^{Context #1 | Noun}

in pregnancy

A period of three months, especially as a division of the duration of pregnancy.

Synonyms

period, phase, quarter.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trimester	Commonly used in academic or medical settings to describe a three-month period, especially in a year, or to reference stages of pregnancy. The second trimester of pregnancy is often easier than the first. Many universities have a trimester system instead of semesters.
quarter	Commonly used in business or finance to divide a year into four parts. It can also refer to sections of a city or school year. The company's revenue increased in the first quarter of the year. We explored the historic quarter of the city.
period	A general term for any length of time. It can be used in various contexts, including historical eras, school classes, or cycles. The medieval period saw many changes in European society. Each class period in high school lasts for 45 minutes.
phase	Typically used to describe distinct stages in a process or development. It can refer to periods in life, projects, or scientific phenomena. The project is currently in the planning phase. Teenagers often go through a rebellious phase.

Examples of usage

The first trimester of pregnancy is crucial for the baby's development.
She is currently in her second trimester and feeling more energetic.
We will find out the gender of the baby in the third trimester.

^{Context #2 | Noun}

in academic calendar

A period of three months, especially as a division of an academic year.

Synonyms

quarter, semester, term.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

Word	Description / Examples
trimester	Used primarily in medical contexts to describe one of the three periods of roughly three months each that make up a full-term pregnancy. It can also refer to academic periods in some educational institutions, particularly in the U.S. The first trimester is often the most challenging for expectant mothers. Our school divides the year into three trimesters.
quarter	Typically used in business and financial contexts to describe one of the four periods of three months each in a financial year, or in some academic settings to represent one of four grading periods. The company reported higher earnings in the third quarter. She will be studying abroad during the winter quarter.
term	Often used in British English in educational contexts to describe one of the three periods into which the school year is divided. It can also refer more broadly to any set period of time. The autumn term starts in September. He was elected for a four-year term.
semester	Most commonly used in educational settings to denote one of two main periods (usually around 15-18 weeks each) into which the academic year is divided. He will graduate at the end of the spring semester. I have a heavy course load this semester.

Examples of usage

The fall trimester begins in September and ends in December.
She will be studying abroad during the winter trimester.
The spring trimester includes exams and graduation.

Interesting Facts

Educational Structure

Many colleges and universities use a trimester system instead of semesters to offer more courses in a year.
Trimesters in schools typically divide the academic year into three parts, allowing for more frequent breaks and a different pacing of subjects.

Health and Biology

Pregnancy is often divided into three trimesters, each with distinct milestones in fetal development.
The first trimester is crucial for organ development; major systems begin forming within the first 12 weeks.

Etymology

The word comes from the Latin 'trimester', which combines 'tri-' meaning 'three' and 'mensis' meaning 'month'.
This term first appeared in English in the early 20th century, particularly in academic contexts regarding education and pregnancy.

Cultural Context

In some cultures, educational systems are based on trimesters to align with agricultural calendars or festivals.
Trimester scheduling can affect family planning and work-life balance for parents during pregnancy.

Psychology

Understanding the three stages of pregnancy helps expectant parents prepare psychologically for the changes ahead.
Educational trimesters can influence student stress and workload management through their structured timeframes.

Translations

Translations of the word "trimester" in other languages:

🇵🇹 trimestre

🇮🇳 त्रैमासिक

🇩🇪 Trimester

🇮🇩 trimester

🇺🇦 триместр

🇵🇱 trymestr

🇯🇵 トリメスター (torimesutā)

🇫🇷 trimestre

🇪🇸 trimestre

🇹🇷 üç aylık dönem

🇰🇷 학기 (hakgi)

🇸🇦 ثلاثي الأبعاد (thalāthī al-abʿād)

🇨🇿 trimestr

🇸🇰 trimester

🇨🇳 三个月 (sān gè yuè)

🇸🇮 trimesečje

🇮🇸 þriggja mánaða tímabil

🇰🇿 триместр

🇬🇪 ტრიმესტრი (trimesteri)

🇦🇿 trimestr

🇲🇽 trimestre

Word Frequency Rank

With rank #17,226, this word belongs to specialized vocabulary. While not common in everyday speech, it enriches your ability to express complex ideas.

...
17223 intruded
17224 manic
17225 glazing
17226 trimester
17227 usurpation
17228 overpowering
17229 pompous
...