term

Everyday

1. A term is one of the parts the school year is divided into, such as the autumn term. tree →
2. A term is a word or phrase with a special meaning in a subject: «a science term». tree →
3. A term is a fixed length of time: «a term in office», «long-term». tree →
4. In maths a term is one number or part in a sequence or an expression: in 2, 4, 6, 8 the third term is 6. tree →
5. To term something is to call it by a name (formal). tree →

In the lessons

At school pupils have terms and holidays: in the UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ the year has three or four terms; in the USA people usually say «semester». In maths, «the next term», «the 10th term», «the rule for the terms» are used for sequences, and in algebra «like terms» can be added. In every subject, pupils learn «key terms» (vocabulary). Phrases: «end of term», «in the long term», «technical term», «in terms of».

Examples

• The summer term ends in July. tree →
• What is the next term in the sequence 3, 6, 9? tree →
• «Photosynthesis» is a science term. tree →
• The president serves a four-year term. tree →
• In the long term, exercise keeps you healthy. tree →
• Learn these key terms for the test. tree →
• The fifth term of 1, 3, 5, 7… is 9. tree →
• Their term of office was thirty years. tree →

Note

Plural: terms. For «terms» (conditions, relationship) see the separate entry. Maths: in a sequence, «term 1» is the first number; the «position» tells which term. US: «semester» or «term»; «full-term baby» = born at the normal time.

In Jewish tradition

Interpretation: Sefer Yetzirah uses special words, such as sefirot, from the root meaning to count, for the ten numbers by which the world was made. In the primary lessons: At school pupils have terms and holidays: in the UK, Ireland, Australia and NZ the year has three or four terms; in the USA people usually say «semester». In maths, «the next term», «the 10th term», «the rule for the terms» are used for sequences, and in algebra «like terms» can be added. In every subject, pupils learn «key terms» (vocabulary). Phrases: «end of term», «in the long term», «technical term», «in terms of».

Examples

• Certain translators have preferred to render otyot yesod as 'elemental letters' by analogy with the Greek term. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →
• A public domain book is one that was never subject to copyright or whose legal copyright term has expired. (Sefer Yetzirah, Westcott 1893) tree →
• The root ספ״ר is also utilized to coin the novel metaphysical term סְפִירוֹת Sefirot, on which see SY 1:2 below. (Sefer Yetzirah, Sefaria community translation) tree →

Note

Plural: terms. For «terms» (conditions, relationship) see the separate entry. Maths: in a sequence, «term 1» is the first number; the «position» tells which term. US: «semester» or «term»; «full-term baby» = born at the normal time.