Definition of: term

(tûrm) noun
1. A word or expression used to designate some definite thing; a technical expression: a scientific term.
2. Any word or expression conveying some conception or thought: a term of reproach; to speak in general terms.
3. plural The conditions or stipulations according to which something is to be done or acceded to: the terms of sale; peace terms.
4. plural Mutual relations; footing: usually preceded by on or upon: England was on friendly terms with France.
5. Math. a The antecedent or consequent of a ratio. b The numerator or denominator of a fraction. c One of the quantities of an algebraic expression that are connected by the plus and minus signs. d One of the quantities which compose a series or progression.
6. Logic a In a proposition, either of the two parts, the subject and predicate, which are joined by a copula. b Any of the three elements of a syllogism, each of which appears twice. In a syllogism, the major term is the predicate of both the major premise and the conclusion. The minor term is the subject of both the minor premise and the conclusion. See SYLLOGISM.
7. A fixed period or definite length of time: a term of office.
8. One of the periods of the year appointed for holding instruction in colleges and schools.
9. Law a One of the prescribed periods of the year during which a court may hold a session. b A specific extent of time during which a termor may hold an estate. c A space of time allowed a debtor to meet his obligation.
10. Med. The time for childbirth.
11. Archaic An utmost limit; boundary.
12. Archit. A pillar of tapering form, ending in a sculptured head or bust.
—v.t. To designate by means of a term; name or call. [<OF terme <L terminus a limit] Synonyms (noun): article, condition, expression, member, name, phrase, word. Term in its figurative use always retains something of its literal sense of a boundary or limit. The articles of a contract or other instrument are simply the portions into which it is divided for convenience; the terms are the essential statements on which its validity depends
—as it were, the landmarks of its meaning or power; a condition is a contingent term, which may become fixed upon the happening of some contemplated event. In logic a term is one of the essential members of a proposition, the boundary of statement in some one direction. Thus in general use term is more restricted than word, expression, or phrase; a term is a word that limits meaning to a fixed point of statement or to a special class of subjects; as, when we speak of the definition of terms, that is of the key words in any discussion; or we say “that is a legal or scientific term.” See BOUNDARY, DICTION.