ten-year
UK: ˌten ˈjɪə(r) | US: ˌten ˈjɪr
adj. lasting for or relating to a period of ten years
The word "ten-year" is a straightforward compound adjective formed by combining the cardinal number "ten" (from Old English "tīen") and the noun "year" (from Old English "ġēar"). This structure follows a common pattern in English for creating time-related descriptors (e.g., "five-minute," "two-day"). The hyphen ensures clarity in modifying nouns (e.g., "ten-year plan"). Historically, such numerical compounds emerged as English simplified grammatical structures while retaining Germanic word-formation logic.
The government announced a ten-year infrastructure development strategy.
She signed a ten-year lease for the apartment.
This tree takes approximately ten-year to reach full maturity.
Their research analyzed ten-year climate trends in the region.
The museum is celebrating its ten-year anniversary this month.