tenure
UK: ˈtɛnjʊə | US: ˈtɛnjər
n. the holding of an office, position, or property
n. the period for which an office or position is held
n. (in academia) a permanent post granted after a probationary period
The word tenure traces back to Latin tenēre ("to hold"), reflecting the concept of holding or retaining something—whether property, a position, or rights. In medieval Latin, tenura referred to the holding of land or office. By the 15th century, it entered English with legal and feudal connotations, later specializing in academic contexts to denote permanent employment after probation. The morpheme ten preserves the core idea of "holding," while ure generalizes it into a state or condition.
She was granted tenure after six years of teaching at the university.
The tenure of the CEO lasted only two years due to poor performance.
Land tenure systems vary widely across cultures.
His tenure as mayor was marked by significant urban development.
Professors with tenure enjoy greater academic freedom.