English Reference
noun · verb

term

n. · v.
US /ˈtɝm/ UK /tˈɜːm/ term UK spelling termed, terming, terms

  1. 01 B1 Intermediate

    n.a word or phrase used to describe a specific thing, especially in a technical or professional area.

    n.a word or phrase used to describe a concept or object, particularly within a specialised field of knowledge.

    Simple

    The doctor used a medical term that I didn't understand at first.

    In context

    The legal team spent hours debating the precise definition of the term 'negligence' as it appeared in the draft agreement.

  2. 02 A2 Elementary

    n.one of the periods of time that the school or university year is divided into.

    n.one of the divisions of an academic year during which instruction is given.

    Simple

    We have a lot of exams at the end of the autumn term.

    In context

    The university introduced several new elective modules for the spring term to accommodate the growing interest in digital humanities.

  3. 03 B1 Intermediate

    n.a fixed period of time that something lasts, like a person's time in a political office.

    n.a fixed or limited period for which something lasts or is intended to last.

    Simple

    The president is serving her second four-year term in office.

    In context

    The contract specifies a five-year term, after which both parties must meet to negotiate a potential renewal.

  4. 04 B2 Upper Intermediate Law

    n.the rules or conditions of an agreement or a legal contract.

    n.the conditions or stipulations that form part of an agreement, contract, or treaty.

    Simple

    You should read the terms and conditions before you sign the document.

    In context

    The terms of the settlement were kept confidential to protect the reputations of the individuals involved in the dispute.

  5. 05 B2 Upper Intermediate

    n.the kind of relationship you have with someone.

    n.the nature of the relationship existing between people; almost always used in the plural with 'on'.

    Simple

    Even after the argument, they stayed on friendly terms with each other.

    In context

    Despite their professional rivalry, the two scientists remained on excellent speaking terms throughout the duration of the project.

  6. 06 B2 Upper Intermediate Technical Math

    n.a single number or variable in a mathematical expression.

    n.each of the quantities in a mathematical series, ratio, or expression.

    Simple

    In the equation x + 5, 'x' is the first term.

    In context

    The student struggled to simplify the algebraic expression because they failed to group the like terms correctly.

  7. 07 C1 Advanced Technical Medicine

    n.the end of the normal period of a pregnancy.

    n.the completion of the normal period of gestation.

    Simple

    The baby was born at full term and was very healthy.

    In context

    The obstetrician noted that the pregnancy had reached full term, suggesting that labour would likely begin within the week.

    full term
  8. 08 C1 Advanced Formal

    v.to give something a specific name or to describe it in a certain way.

    v.to apply a particular name or epithet to something; to characterise.

    Simple

    The media termed the new law a victory for the environment.

    In context

    Critics have termed the director's latest cinematic effort a masterpiece of modern surrealism, though audiences remain divided.

Usage terms of use · absolute term · abstract term

This entry
Level A2 · Elementary
Frequency Very common
Updated