Term | Mean of term in English Dictionary

/ˈtɚm/

• Noun
• a word or phrase that has an exact meaning
1. “I had the feeling that I had been there before.” “The term for that is ‘déjà vu.’”
2. That's an outdated term that no one uses anymore.
3. scientific/technical terms
• the particular kinds of words used to describe someone or something
1. He spoke about them in glowing terms.
2. The law had been understood in broad terms.
3. in economic terms
4. He expressed his disapproval in no uncertain terms. [=in very strong and clear language]
• the length of time during which a person has an official or political office
1. The governor will run for a second term.
2. He is currently serving his third term in the U.S. Senate.
3. She made many changes during her term of/in office. [=during the time when she was in office]
4. He is in favor of term limits for members of Congress. [=he believes that members of Congress should only be allowed to serve for a specified number of terms]

• the length of time during which someone is in a prison, jail, etc.
1. He was sentenced to a ten-year term in the state penitentiary.
2. a long jail/prison term
3. a term of imprisonment
• the length of time during which something (such as a contract) continues
1. The term of the contract is 60 months.
• one of the parts of the school year
1. His grades have improved since last term.
2. English 122 is not offered this term.
• the conditions or rules that limit something (such as an agreement or a contract)
1. They would not agree to our terms.
2. She objected to the terms of the contract.
3. Early payment is not permitted under the terms of our agreement.
• the time at which a pregnancy of normal length ends
1. She carried the baby to term. = She carried the baby full term. [=to the natural end of the pregnancy]
• to reach an agreement
1. The two sides have not been able to come to terms.
2. The company has come to terms with the union.
• to learn how to accept or live with something that is difficult or painful
1. It took him a long time to come to terms with the end of his marriage.
2. She has found it hard to come to terms with the demands of her job.
• according to your own wishes
1. She wants to succeed on her own terms.
2. If I agree to help, it will only be on my terms.
• a description of what must be dealt with and considered when something is being done, studied, etc.
1. The terms of reference for the committee are narrow and specific.
• Verb
• to give a particular name or description to (something)
1. They termed the structure a “double helix.”
2. The project was termed a success.