ternate Hear it!

ternate definition

ter·nate (tʉr′nāt′)

adjective

  1. consisting of three
  2. arranged in threes
  3. Bot.
    1. having three leaflets
    2. growing in groups or whorls of three, as some leaves

Etymology: ModL ternatus < L terni (see ternary) + -atus, -ate

Webster's New World College Dictionary Copyright © 2009 by Wiley Publishing, Inc., Cleveland, Ohio.
Used by arrangement with John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

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