ternary

[ tur-nuh-ree ]

adjective

1. consisting of or involving three; threefold; triple.
2. third in order or rank.
3. based on the number three.
4. Chemistry.
   1. consisting of three different elements or groups.
   2. (formerly) consisting of three atoms.
5. Mathematics. having three variables.
6. Metallurgy. (of an alloy) having three principal constituents.

noun

, plural ter·na·ries.

1. a group of three.

ternary

/ ˈtɜːnərɪ /

adjective

1. consisting of three or groups of three
2. maths
   1. (of a number system) to the base three
   2. involving or containing three variables
3. (of an alloy, mixture, or chemical compound) having three different components or composed of three different elements

noun

1. a group of three

Word History and Origins

Origin of ternary¹

1400–50; late Middle English < Latin ternārius made up of three. See tern ², -ary

Word History and Origins

Origin of ternary¹

C14: from Latin ternārius, from ternī three each

Example Sentences

No ternary verses are found in Mirèio, that is, verses that fall into three equal parts.

From Project Gutenberg

It may occur in lines of any length; but in lines of five or six syllables the binary and ternary movements are generally mingled.

From Project Gutenberg

Many ternary lines of five and six syllables are found, but they are almost invariably mingled with binary lines.

From Project Gutenberg

The Spanish ternary 12-syllable line was formerly used chiefly in combination with lines of ten or eleven syllables.

From Project Gutenberg

Rarely one finds 6-syllable and 9-syllable lines with regular ternary movement, and these are probably never of popular origin.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• threefold