thirds

UK: θɜːdz | US: θɜːrdz

Definition
  1. n. plural of "third" (one of three equal parts of a whole)

  2. n. (music) the interval between two notes separated by two degrees of the diatonic scale

  3. n. (sports) third position in a race or competition

Structure
third <three>s <plural suffix>
Etymology

The word "third" originates from Old English "þridda," derived from Proto-Germanic "*þridjaz," which itself traces back to the Proto-Indo-European root "*triti-" (meaning "three"). The "-s" suffix is a standard English plural marker. The concept of "third" as a fraction or ordinal position has remained consistent across Germanic languages, reflecting its foundational role in counting and division.

Examples
  1. She divided the cake into thirds to share equally.

  2. The violinist played a perfect thirds interval in the melody.

  3. He finished in the thirds place in the marathon.

  4. Two-thirds of the audience voted in favor of the proposal.

  5. The recipe calls for one-third cup of sugar.