Terephthalic Ter`eph·thal"ic adjective [ Tere bene + phthalic .] (Chemistry) Of, pertaining to, or designating, a dibasic acid of the aromatic series, metameric with phthalic acid, and obtained, as a tasteless white crystalline powder, by the oxidation of oil of turpentine; -- called also paraphthalic acid . Confer Phthalic .

Teret Ter"et adjective Round; terete. [ Obsolete] Fotherby.

Terete Te·rete" adjective [ Latin teres , - etis , rounded off, properly, rubbed off, from terere to rub.] Cylindrical and slightly tapering; columnar, as some stems of plants.

Teretial Te·re"tial adjective [ See Terete .] (Anat.) Rounded; as, the teretial tracts in the floor of the fourth ventricle of the brain of some fishes. Owen.

Teretous Ter"e·tous adjective Terete. [ Obsolete]

Tergal Ter"gal adjective [ Latin tergum the back.] (Anat. & Zoology) Of or pertaining to back, or tergum. See Dorsal .

Tergant Ter"gant adjective (Her.) Showing the back; as, the eagle tergant . [ Written also tergiant .]

Tergeminal, Tergeminate Ter·gem"i·nal, Ter·gem"i·nate adjective [ See Tergeminous .] (Botany) Thrice twin; having three pairs of leaflets.

Tergeminous Ter·gem"i·nous adjective [ Latin tergeminus ; ter thrice + geminus doubled at birth, twin-born. Confer Trigeminous .] Threefold; thrice-paired. Blount.

Tergiferous Ter·gif"er·ous adjective [ Latin tergum the back + -ferous .] Carrying or bearing upon the back.

Tergiferous plants (Botany) , plants which bear their seeds on the back of their leaves, as ferns.

Tergite Ter"gite noun (Zoology) The dorsal portion of an arthromere or somite of an articulate animal. See Illust. under Coleoptera .

Tergiversate Ter"gi·ver·sate intransitive verb [ Latin tergiversatus , past participle of tergiversari to turn one's back, to shift; tergum back + versare , freq. of vertere to turn. See Verse .] To shift; to practice evasion; to use subterfuges; to shuffle. [ R.] Bailey.

Tergiversation Ter`gi·ver·sa"tion noun [ Latin tergiversario : confer French tergiversation .] 1. The act of tergiversating; a shifting; shift; subterfuge; evasion.

Writing is to be preferred before verbal conferences, as being freer from passions and tergiversations .

Abp. Bramhall.

2. Fickleness of conduct; inconstancy; change.

The colonel, after all his tergiversations , lost his life in the king's service.

Clarendon.

Tergiversator Ter"gi·ver·sa`tor noun [ Latin ] One who tergiversates; one who suffles, or practices evasion.

Tergum Ter"gum noun ; plural Terga . [ Latin , the back.] (Zoology) (a) The back of an animal. (b) The dorsal piece of a somite of an articulate animal. (c) One of the dorsal plates of the operculum of a cirriped.

Terin Te"rin noun [ French tarin , Prov. French tairin , térin , probably from the Picard tère tender.] (Zoology) A small yellow singing bird, with an ash-colored head; the European siskin. Called also tarin .

Term Term noun [ French terme , Latin termen , -inis , terminus , a boundary limit, end; akin to Greek ..., .... See Thrum a tuft, and confer Terminus , Determine , Exterminate .] 1. That which limits the extent of anything; limit; extremity; bound; boundary.

Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms , or boundaries.

Bacon.

2. The time for which anything lasts; any limited time; as, a term of five years; the term of life.

3. In universities, schools, etc., a definite continuous period during which instruction is regularly given to students; as, the school year is divided into three terms .

4. (Geom.) A point, line, or superficies, that limits; as, a line is the term of a superficies, and a superficies is the term of a solid.

5. (Law) A fixed period of time; a prescribed duration ; as: (a) The limitation of an estate; or rather, the whole time for which an estate is granted, as for the term of a life or lives, or for a term of years. (b) A space of time granted to a debtor for discharging his obligation. (c) The time in which a court is held or is open for the trial of causes. Bouvier.

» In England, there were formerly four terms in the year, during which the superior courts were open: Hilary term, beginning on the 11th and ending on the 31st of January; Easter term, beginning on the 15th of April, and ending on the 8th of May; Trinity term, beginning on the 22d day of May, and ending on the 12th of June; Michaelmas term, beginning on the 2d and ending on the 25th day of November. The rest of the year was called vacation . But this division has been practically abolished by the Judicature Acts of 1873, 1875, which provide for the more convenient arrangement of the terms and vacations. In the United States, the terms to be observed by the tribunals of justice are prescribed by the statutes of Congress and of the several States.

6. (Logic) The subject or the predicate of a proposition; one of the three component parts of a syllogism, each one of which is used twice.

The subject and predicate of a proposition are, after Aristotle, together called its terms or extremes.

Sir W. Hamilton.

» The predicate of the conclusion is called the major term, because it is the most general, and the subject of the conclusion is called the minor term, because it is less general. These are called the extermes ; and the third term, introduced as a common measure between them, is called the mean or middle term. Thus in the following syllogism, --

Every vegetable is combustible; Every tree is a vegetable; Therefore every tree is combustible, -

combustible , the predicate of the conclusion, is the major term; tree is the minor term; vegetable is the middle term.

7. A word or expression; specifically, one that has a precisely limited meaning in certain relations and uses, or is peculiar to a science, art, profession, or the like; as, a technical term . " Terms quaint of law." Chaucer.

In painting, the greatest beauties can not always be expressed for want of terms .

Dryden.

8. (Architecture) A quadrangular pillar, adorned on the top with the figure of a head, as of a man, woman, or satyr; -- called also terminal figure . See Terminus , noun , 2 and 3.

» The pillar part frequently tapers downward, or is narrowest at the base. Terms rudely carved were formerly used for landmarks or boundaries. Gwilt.

9. (Alg.) A member of a compound quantity; as, a or b in a + b ; ab or cd in ab - cd .

10. plural (Medicine) The menses.

11. plural (Law) Propositions or promises, as in contracts, which, when assented to or accepted by another, settle the contract and bind the parties; conditions.

12. (Law) In Scotland, the time fixed for the payment of rents.

» Terms legal and conventional in Scotland correspond to quarter days in England and Ireland. There are two legal terms -- Whitsunday, May 15, and Martinmas, Nov. 11; and two conventional terms -- Candlemas, Feb. 2, and Lammas day, Aug. 1. Mozley & W.

13. (Nautical) A piece of carved work placed under each end of the taffrail. J. Knowels.

In term , in set terms; in formal phrase. [ Obsolete]

I can not speak in term .

Chaucer.

-- Term fee (Law) (a) , a fee by the term, chargeable to a suitor, or by law fixed and taxable in the costs of a cause for each or any term it is in court. -- Terms of a proportion (Math.) , the four members of which it is composed. -- To bring to terms , to compel (one) to agree, assent, or submit; to force (one) to come to terms. -- To make terms , to come to terms; to make an agreement: to agree.

Syn. -- Limit; bound; boundary; condition; stipulation; word; expression. -- Term , Word . These are more frequently interchanged than almost any other vocables that occur of the language. There is, however, a difference between them which is worthy of being kept in mind. Word is generic; it denotes an utterance which represents or expresses our thoughts and feelings. Term originally denoted one of the two essential members of a proposition in logic, and hence signifies a word of specific meaning, and applicable to a definite class of objects. Thus, we may speak of a scientific or a technical term , and of stating things in distinct terms . Thus we say, "the term minister literally denotes servant;" "an exact definition of terms is essential to clearness of thought;" "no term of reproach can sufficiently express my indignation;" "every art has its peculiar and distinctive terms ," etc. So also we say, "purity of style depends on the choice of words , and precision of style on a clear understanding of the terms used." Term is chiefly applied to verbs, nouns, and adjectives, these being capable of standing as terms in a logical proposition; while prepositions and conjunctions, which can never be so employed, are rarely spoken of as terms , but simply as words .

Term Term transitive verb [ imperfect & past participle Termed ; present participle & verbal noun Terming .] [ See Term , noun , and confer Terminate .] To apply a term to; to name; to call; to denominate.

Men term what is beyond the limits of the universe "imaginary space."

Locke.

Term day Term day A day which is a term (as for payment of rent), or is a day in a term, as of the sitting of a court; esp., one of a series of special days, designated by scientists of different nations or stations, for making synoptic magnetic, meteorological, or other physical observations.

Term insurance Term insurance Insurance for a specified term providing for no payment to the insured except upon losses during the term, and becoming void upon its expiration.

Term policy Term policy A policy of term insurance.

Terma Ter"ma noun [ New Latin See Term , noun ] (Anat.) The terminal lamina, or thin ventral part, of the anterior wall of the third ventricle of the brain. B. G. Wilder.

Termagancy Ter"ma·gan·cy noun The quality or state of being termagant; turbulence; tumultuousness; as, a violent termagancy of temper.

Termagant Ter"ma·gant noun [ Middle English Trivigant , Termagant , Termagant (in sense 1), Old French Tervagan ; confer Italian Trivigante .] 1. An imaginary being supposed by the Christians to be a Mohammedan deity or false god. He is represented in the ancient moralities, farces, and puppet shows as extremely vociferous and tumultous. [ Obsolete] Chaucer. "And oftentimes by Termagant and Mahound [ Mahomet] swore." Spenser.

The lesser part on Christ believed well,
On Termagant the more, and on Mahound.

Fairfax.

2. A boisterous, brawling, turbulent person; -- formerly applied to both sexes, now only to women.

This terrible termagant , this Nero, this Pharaoh.

Bale (1543).

The slave of an imperious and reckless termagant .

Macaulay.

Termagant Ter"ma·gant adjective Tumultuous; turbulent; boisterous; furious; quarrelsome; scolding. -- Ter"ma*gant*ly , adverb

A termagant , imperious, prodigal, profligate wench.

Arbuthnot.

Termatarium Ter`ma·ta"ri·um noun [ New Latin See Termes .] (Zoology) Any nest or dwelling of termes, or white ants.

Termatary Ter"ma·ta·ry noun (Zoology) Same as Termatarium .

Termer Term"er noun 1. One who resorted to London during the law term only, in order to practice tricks, to carry on intrigues, or the like. [ Obsolete] [ Written also termor .] B. Jonson.

2. (Law) One who has an estate for a term of years or for life.

Termes Ter"mes (tẽr"mēz) noun ; plural Termites (-mĭ*tēz). [ Latin termes , tarmes , -itis , a woodworm. Confer Termite .] (Zoology) A genus of Pseudoneuroptera including the white ants, or termites. See Termite .

Terminable Ter"mi·na·ble (-mĭn*ȧ*b'l) adjective [ See Terminate .] Capable of being terminated or bounded; limitable. -- Ter"mi*na*ble*ness , noun

Terminable annuity , an annuity for a stated, definite number of years; -- distinguished from life annuity , and perpetual annuity .

Terminal Ter"mi·nal (-n a l) adjective [ Latin terminals : confer French terminal . See Term , noun ] 1. Of or pertaining to the end or extremity; forming the extremity; as, a terminal edge.

2. (Botany) Growing at the end of a branch or stem; terminating; as, a terminal bud, flower, or spike.

Terminal moraine . See the Note under Moraine . -- Terminal statue . See Terminus , noun , 2 and 3. -- Terminal velocity . (a) The velocity acquired at the end of a body's motion. (b) The limit toward which the velocity of a body approaches, as of a body falling through the air.

Terminal Ter"mi·nal noun 1. That which terminates or ends; termination; extremity.

2. (Eccl.) Either of the ends of the conducting circuit of an electrical apparatus, as an inductorium, dynamo, or electric motor, usually provided with binding screws for the attachment of wires by which a current may be conveyed into or from the machine; a pole.

Terminal Ter"mi·nal adjective (Railroads) Pertaining to a railroad terminal; connected with the receipt or delivery of freight; as, terminal charges.

Terminal Ter"mi·nal noun (Railroads) (a) The end of a line of railroad, with the switches, stations, sheds, and other appliances pertaining thereto. (b) Any station for the delivery or receipt of freight lying too far from the main line to be served by mere sidings . (c) A rate charged on all freight, independent of the distance, and supposed to cover the expenses of station service, as distinct from mileage rate , generally proportionate to the distance and intended to cover movement expenses; a terminal charge. (d) A town lying at the end of a railroad; -- more properly called a terminus .

Terminalia Ter`mi·na"li·a noun plural [ Latin ] (Rom. Antiq.) A festival celebrated annually by the Romans on February 23 in honor of Terminus , the god of boundaries.

Terminant Ter"mi·nant noun [ Latin terminans , present participle of terminare .] Termination; ending. [ R.] Puttenham.

Terminate Ter"mi·nate transitive verb [ imperfect & past participle Terminated ; present participle & verbal noun Terminating .] [ Latin terminatus , past participle of terminare . See Term .] 1. To set a term or limit to; to form the extreme point or side of; to bound; to limit; as, to terminate a surface by a line.

2. To put an end to; to make to cease; as, to terminate an effort, or a controversy.

3. Hence, to put the finishing touch to; to bring to completion; to perfect.

During this interval of calm and prosperity, he [ Michael Angelo] terminated two figures of slaves, destined for the tomb, in an incomparable style of art.

J. S. Harford.

Terminate Ter"mi·nate intransitive verb 1. To be limited in space by a point, line, or surface; to stop short; to end; to cease; as, the torrid zone terminates at the tropics.

2. To come to a limit in time; to end; to close.

The wisdom of this world, its designs and efficacy, terminate on zhis side heaven.

South.

Termination Ter`mi·na"tion noun [ Latin terminatio a bounding, fixing, determining: confer French terminasion , Old French also termination . See Term .] 1. The act of terminating, or of limiting or setting bounds; the act of ending or concluding; as, a voluntary termination of hostilities.

2. That which ends or bounds; limit in space or extent; bound; end; as, the termination of a line.

3. End in time or existence; as, the termination of the year, or of life; the termination of happiness.

4. End; conclusion; result. Hallam.

5. Last purpose of design. [ R.]

6. A word; a term. [ R. & Obsolete] Shak.

7. (Gram.) The ending of a word; a final syllable or letter; the part added to a stem in inflection.

Terminational Ter`mi·na"tion·al adjective Of or pertaining to termination; forming a termination.

Terminative Ter"mi·na·tive adjective Tending or serving to terminate; terminating; determining; definitive. Bp. Rust. -- Ter"mi*na*tive*ly , adverb Jer. Taylor.

Terminator Ter"mi·na`tor noun [ Latin , he who limits or sets bounds.] 1. One who, or that which, terminates.

2. (Astron.) The dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated part of the moon.

Terminatory Ter"mi·na·to·ry adjective Terminative.

Termine Ter"mine transitive verb [ Confer French terminer .] To terminate. [ Obsolete] Bp. Hall.

Terminer Ter"mi·ner noun [ French terminer to bound, limit, end. See Terminate .] (Law) A determining; as, in oyer and terminer . See Oyer .

Terminism Ter"mi·nism noun The doctrine held by the Terminists.

Terminist Ter"mi·nist noun [ Confer French terministe .] (Theol.) One of a class of theologians who maintain that God has fixed a certain term for the probation of individual persons, during which period, and no longer, they have the offer to grace. Murdock.

Terminological Ter`mi·no·log"ic·al adjective Of or pertaining to terminology. -- Ter`mi*no*log"ic*al*ly , adverb

Terminology Ter`mi·nol"o·gy noun [ Latin terminus term + -logy : confer French terminologie .] 1. The doctrine of terms; a theory of terms or appellations; a treatise on terms.

2. The terms actually used in any business, art, science, or the like; nomenclature; technical terms; as, the terminology of chemistry.

The barbarous effect produced by a German structure of sentence, and a terminology altogether new.

De Quincey.

Terminus Ter"mi·nus noun ; plural Termini . [ Latin See Term .] 1. Literally, a boundary; a border; a limit.

2. (Myth.) The Roman divinity who presided over boundaries, whose statue was properly a short pillar terminating in the bust of a man, woman, satyr, or the like, but often merely a post or stone stuck in the ground on a boundary line.

3. Hence, any post or stone marking a boundary; a term. See Term , 8.

4. Either end of a railroad line; also, the station house, or the town or city, at that place.

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