term

noun

• 1a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept, especially in a particular kind of language or branch of study:the musical term ‘leitmotiv’ a term of abuse
• (terms) language used on a particular occasion; a way of expressing oneself:a protest in the strongest possible terms
• Logic a word or words that may be the subject or predicate of a proposition.

• 2a fixed or limited period for which something, for example office, imprisonment, or investment, lasts or is intended to last:the President is elected for a single four-year term
• (also term day) (especially in Scotland) a fixed day of the year appointed for the making of payments, the start or end of tenancies, etc..
• (also full term) [mass noun] the completion of a normal length of pregnancy:the pregnancy went to full term
• (British also term of years or US term for years) Law a tenancy of a fixed period.
• archaic the duration of a person’s life.
• archaic a boundary or limit, especially of time.

• 3each of the periods in the year, alternating with holiday or vacation, during which instruction is given in a school, college, or university, or during which a law court holds sessions:the summer term term starts tomorrow

• 4 (terms) conditions under which an action may be undertaken or agreement reached; stipulated or agreed requirements:their solicitors had agreed terms he could only be dealt with on his own terms
• conditions with regard to payment for something; stated charges:loans on favourable terms
• agreed conditions under which a war or other dispute is brought to an end:the United States played a key role in prodding the two sides to come to terms

• 5 Mathematics each of the quantities in a ratio, series, or mathematical expression.

• 6 Architectureanother term for terminus.

verb

• give a descriptive name to; call by a specified term:he has been termed the father of modern theology