trimester
UK: traɪˈmɛstə | US: traɪˈmɛstər
n. a period of three months, especially one of the three three-month periods into which human pregnancy is divided
n. (academic) one of the three terms in an academic year divided into three parts
trimester = tri<three> + mester<month>
- tri (from Latin tres, meaning "three")
- mester (from Latin mensis, meaning "month"; evolved into Old French -mestre and later English -mester)
Etymology Origin:
The word trimester originates from Latin trimestris, combining tri- (three) and mensis (month). It originally referred to a three-month period and was later adopted into French (trimestre) before entering English. The term is widely used in medical contexts (e.g., pregnancy divisions) and academia (e.g., school terms). The logic is straightforward: tri- marks the quantity, while -mester denotes the time unit.
The first trimester of pregnancy is often accompanied by morning sickness.
Our university operates on a trimester system, with three terms per year.
She completed her research project in a single trimester.
Financial reports are reviewed every trimester to ensure budget compliance.
The second trimester is typically when fetal movement becomes noticeable.