Definition of term

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term    (tûrm) KEY 

NOUN:

1. 1. A limited period of time.
   2. A period of time that is assigned to a person to serve: a six-year term as senator. See Synonyms at period.
   3. A period when a school or court is in session.
2. 1. A point in time at which something ends; termination: an apprenticeship nearing its term.
   2. The end of a normal gestation period: carried the fetus to term.
   3. A deadline, as for making a payment.
3. Law
   1. A fixed period of time for which an estate is granted.
   2. An estate granted for a fixed period.
4. 1. A word or group of words having a particular meaning: had to explain the term gridlock.
   2. terms Language of a certain kind; chosen words: spoke in rather vague terms; praised him in glowing terms.
5. One of the elements of a proposed or concluded agreement; a condition. Often used in the plural: offered favorable peace terms; one of the terms of the lease; the terms of a divorce settlement.
6. terms The relationship between two people or groups; personal footing: on good terms with her in-laws.
7. Mathematics
   1. One of the quantities composing a ratio or fraction or forming a series.
   2. One of the quantities connected by addition or subtraction signs in an equation; a member.
8. Logic Each of the two concepts being compared or related in a proposition.
9. 1. A stone or post marking a boundary, especially a squared and downward-tapering pillar adorned with a head and upper torso.
   2. An architectural or decorative motif resembling such a marker.

TRANSITIVE VERB:
termed, term·ing, terms

To designate; call.

IDIOM:
in terms of

1. As measured or indicated by; in units of: distances expressed in terms of kilometers as well as miles; cheap entertainment, but costly in terms of time wasted.
2. In relation to; with reference to: "facilities planned and programmed in terms of their interrelationships, instead of evolving haphazardly" (Wharton Magazine).

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ETYMOLOGY:
Middle English terme, from Old French, from Latin terminus, boundary. N., senses 4-8, from Middle English from Medieval Latin terminus, from Late Latin, mathematical or logical term, from Latin, boundary, limit