tri-

American  

1. a combining form meaning “three,” used in the formation of compound words.

   triacid; triatomic.

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tri- British  

prefix

1. three or thrice

   triaxial

   trigon

   trisect

2. occurring every three

   trimonthly

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Usage

What does tri- mean? Tri- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “three.” Tri- is often used in a great variety of both everyday and technical terms.Tri- ultimately comes from both Greek treîs, tría and Latin trēs, tria, all of which mean “three.”

Etymology

Origin of tri-

Middle English < Latin, combining form representing Latin trēs, tria, Greek treîs, tría three

Example Sentences

El Tri will face South Korea during its second World Cup match in Guadalajara.

From Los Angeles Times

Mexico made it to the quarterfinals in the first two World Cups played in Mexico, a history that coach Javier Aguirre is well aware of because the last time it happened, in 1986, Aguirre started at midfield in El Tri’s final game.

From Los Angeles Times

Ahead of is arrival, residences in the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang were ordered to evacuate.

From BBC

People from the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang have been ordered to leave their homes.

From BBC

Gonzalez is a three-year starter with a 3.8 grade-point average and made the trip to Ventura on Thursday for a Tri County League media day that also featured players from Agoura, Hueneme, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Fillmore.

From Los Angeles Times