terms
UK: tɜːmz | US: tɜːrmz
n. a word or phrase used to describe a thing or to express a concept
n. a fixed or limited period for which something lasts
n. (plural) conditions or requirements laid down in an agreement
The word "term" originates from the Latin terminus, meaning "boundary" or "limit." In Old French, it evolved into terme, retaining the sense of a fixed point in time or space. By the Middle English period, "term" came to denote a period of time (e.g., academic term) or a word defining a concept. The plural form "terms" extends this to multiple conditions or expressions. The root logic ties back to setting boundaries—whether temporal, linguistic, or contractual.
The legal terms of the contract were clearly stated.
She served two terms as president of the organization.
In technical terms, this process is called "photosynthesis."
They negotiated the terms of their partnership carefully.
The professor explained the key terms in the first lecture.