1term 
/ˈtɚm/ noun
plural terms /ˈtɚm/ noun 1 a [count] : a word or phrase that has an exact meaning
▪ “I had the feeling that I had been there before.” “The term for that is ‘déjà vu.’” ▪ That's an outdated term that no one uses anymore. ▪ scientific/technical terms
b terms [plural] : the particular kinds of words used to describe someone or something
▪ He spoke about them in glowing terms. ▪ The law had been understood in broad terms. ▪ in economic terms ▪ He expressed his disapproval in no uncertain terms. [=in very strong and clear language] 2 [count] a : the length of time during which a person has an official or political office
▪ The governor will run for a second term. ▪ He is currently serving his third term in the U.S. Senate. ▪ She made many changes during her term of/in office. [=during the time when she was in office] ▪ He is in favor of term limits for members of Congress. [=he believes that members of Congress should only be allowed to serve for a specified number of terms]
b : the length of time during which someone is in a prison, jail, etc.
▪ He was sentenced to a ten-year term in the state penitentiary. ▪ a long jail/prison term ▪ a term of imprisonment
c : the length of time during which something (such as a contract) continues
▪ The term of the contract is 60 months. — see also long term, medium-term, short term 3 [count] : one of the parts of the school year
▪ His grades have improved since last term. ▪ English 122 is not offered this term. 4 terms [plural] : the conditions or rules that limit something (such as an agreement or a contract) : the things that must be agreed upon in order for something to happen or continue
▪ They would not agree to our terms. ▪ She objected to the terms of the contract. ▪ Early payment is not permitted under the terms of our agreement. 5 terms [plural] — used to describe the kind of relationship that people have with each other ▪ He was on good terms with his ex-wife. [=he and his ex-wife were friendly with each other] ▪ He left the team on bad terms. ▪ They are no longer on speaking terms. [=they are no longer speaking to each other] ▪ (Brit) He is on first-name terms with his staff. 6 [noncount] medical : the time at which a pregnancy of normal length ends
▪ She carried the baby to term. = She carried the baby full term. [=to the natural end of the pregnancy]
▪ “I had the feeling that I had been there before.” “The term for that is ‘déjà vu.’” ▪ That's an outdated term that no one uses anymore. ▪ scientific/technical terms
b terms [plural] : the particular kinds of words used to describe someone or something
▪ He spoke about them in glowing terms. ▪ The law had been understood in broad terms. ▪ in economic terms ▪ He expressed his disapproval in no uncertain terms. [=in very strong and clear language]
▪ The governor will run for a second term. ▪ He is currently serving his third term in the U.S. Senate. ▪ She made many changes during her term of/in office. [=during the time when she was in office] ▪ He is in favor of term limits for members of Congress. [=he believes that members of Congress should only be allowed to serve for a specified number of terms]
b : the length of time during which someone is in a prison, jail, etc.
▪ He was sentenced to a ten-year term in the state penitentiary. ▪ a long jail/prison term ▪ a term of imprisonment
c : the length of time during which something (such as a contract) continues
▪ The term of the contract is 60 months. — see also long term, medium-term, short term
▪ His grades have improved since last term. ▪ English 122 is not offered this term.
▪ They would not agree to our terms. ▪ She objected to the terms of the contract. ▪ Early payment is not permitted under the terms of our agreement.
▪ She carried the baby to term. = She carried the baby full term. [=to the natural end of the pregnancy]
come to terms 1 : to reach an agreement
▪ The two sides have not been able to come to terms. — often + with ▪ The company has come to terms with the union. 2 : to learn how to accept or live with something that is difficult or painful — + with ▪ It took him a long time to come to terms with the end of his marriage. ▪ She has found it hard to come to terms with the demands of her job.
▪ The two sides have not been able to come to terms. — often + with ▪ The company has come to terms with the union.
contradiction in terms — see contradiction
in terms of
— used to indicate the specific thing that is being described, thought of, etc. ▪ The car is great in terms of gas mileage [=the car's gas mileage is great], but it's not very comfortable. ▪ He thinks of everything in terms of money. [=his judgments/opinions about everything are based on thoughts about money]
on your (own) terms
: according to your own wishes : in your own way
▪ She wants to succeed on her own terms. ▪ If I agree to help, it will only be on my terms.
▪ She wants to succeed on her own terms. ▪ If I agree to help, it will only be on my terms.
term of address — see 2address
term of endearment — see endearment
terms of reference
Brit : a description of what must be dealt with and considered when something is being done, studied, etc.
▪ The terms of reference for the committee are narrow and specific.
▪ The terms of reference for the committee are narrow and specific.
