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| ter·na·ry [ túrnəree ] |
adjective |
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| Definition: |
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1. threefold: consisting of three things or parts, or arranged in groups of three
(
formal
)
  ternary form
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2. mathematics with base of 3: describes the number system, or a number belonging to it, that has 3 as its base
a ternary logarithm
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3. mathematics with three variables: involving or having three variables
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4. metallurgy with three components: describes an alloy that consists of three components
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5. chemistry with three atoms or molecules: describes chemical compounds consisting of three active elements, e.g. three atoms, molecules, or radicals
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| [15th century. < Latin ternarius< terni "three at a time" < ter "three times"] |
