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term

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The definition of a term is a word or group of words that has a special meaning, a specific time period or a condition of a contract.

(noun)

An example of term is "cultural diversity."
An example of term is three months for a college semester.
An example of term is a contract clause that says that payment must be paid by a cashier's check.

Term is defined as to give a name to something.

(verb)

An example of term is to name a newly discovered organism.

See term in Webster's New World College Dictionary

noun

Archaic a point of time designating the beginning or end of a period
a set date, as for payment, termination of tenancy, etc.
a set period of time; duration; specif.,
1. a division of a school year, as a semester or quarter, during which a course of studies is given
2. ☆ the stipulated duration of an appointment to a particular office: elected to a four-year term
3. the normal elapsed period for birth after conception; also, delivery at the end of this period; parturition
conditions of a contract, agreement, sale, etc.
mutual relationship between or among persons; footing: on speaking terms
a word or phrase having a limiting and definite meaning in some science, art, etc.: “tergum” is a zoological term
any word or phrase used in a definite or precise sense; expression: a colloquial term
words that express ideas in a specified way: to speak in derogatory terms
1. Now Rare a limit; boundary; extremity
2. Obsolete conditions; circumstances
Archit. a boundary post, esp. one consisting of a pedestal topped by a bust, as of the god Terminus
Law
1. the time a court is in session
2. the length of time for which an estate is granted
3. the estate itself
4. time allowed a debtor to pay
Logic
1. either of two concepts that have a stated relation, as the subject and predicate of a proposition
2. any of the three elements which function variously as subjects and predicates in a syllogism
Math.
1. either of the two quantities of a fraction or a ratio
2. each of the quantities in a series or sequence
3. each of the quantities connected by plus or minus signs in an algebraic expression

Origin: ME terme < OFr < L terminus, a limit, boundary, end < IE *termṇ, a boundary stake < base *ter-, to cross over, go beyond > trans-, Gr terma, goal

transitive verb

to call by a term; name

terminal
termination

See term in American Heritage Dictionary 4

noun

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