triplet
UK: ˈtrɪplət | US: ˈtrɪplət
n. one of three children or animals born at the same time to the same mother
n. a group or set of three similar things
n. (music) a group of three notes played in the time of two
The word "triplet" combines the Latin root "tri-" (meaning "three") with the suffix "-plet," derived from the Latin "-plus" (meaning "fold" or "multiple"). Originally used in music to denote three notes played in the time of two, it later expanded to describe sets of three (e.g., siblings or objects). The suffix "-plet" is also seen in words like "duplet" (two) and "quadruplet" (four), forming a logical numerical series.
The couple was surprised to learn they were expecting triplets.
The necklace featured a triplet of sparkling diamonds.
The musician played a rapid triplet on the piano.
Triplet births are less common than twins.
In genetics, a codon is a triplet of nucleotides that encodes a specific amino acid.