term
UK: tɜːm | US: tɜːrm
n. a fixed or limited period of time
n. a word or phrase used to describe a thing or concept
n. (logic) a component of a proposition or equation
vt. to name or designate something with a specific word
The word "term" traces back to Latin terminus, meaning "boundary" or "limit." This reflects its earliest sense of marking an endpoint (e.g., a time limit or territorial boundary). Over time, it expanded metaphorically to denote linguistic boundaries (words as units of meaning) and logical components (e.g., in mathematics or philosophy). The verb form ("to term") emerged from the idea of "defining within limits."
The academic term ends in June.
"Quantum" is a technical term in physics.
In the equation, each term must be simplified.
Historians term this era the Renaissance.
The contract specifies the terms of payment.