terms (n.)

"limiting conditions," early 14c.; see term (n.). Hence expressions such as come to terms, make terms, on any terms, etc. Meaning "standing, footing, mutual relations," as in expression on good terms (with someone), is recorded from 1540s.

Entries linking to terms

term (n.)

c. 1200, terme "limit in time, set or appointed period," from Old French terme "limit of time or place, date, appointed time, duration" (11c.), from Latin terminus "end, boundary line," in Medieval Latin "expression, definition," related to termen "boundary, end" (see terminus). Old English had termen "term, end," from Latin. Sense of "period of time during which something happens" first recorded c. 1300, especially of a school or law court session (mid-15c.).

The meaning "word or phrase used in a limited or precise sense" is first recorded late 14c., from Medieval Latin use of terminus to render Greek horos "boundary," employed in mathematics and logic. Hence in terms of "in the language or phraseology peculiar to." Meaning "completion of the period of pregnancy" is from 1844. Term-paper in U.S. educational sense is recorded from 1931.

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updated on January 20, 2014

Definitions of terms from WordNet

terms (n.)

status with respect to the relations between people or groups;

on good terms with her in-laws

Synonyms: footing

terms (n.)

the amount of money needed to purchase something;

he got his new car on excellent terms

Synonyms: price / damage

From wordnet.princeton.edu, not affiliated with etymonline.

Dictionary entries near terms

terminator

terminer

terminology

terminus

termite

terms

tern

ternary

Terpsichore

terpsichorean

terr