noun

term

Translation

period, word, condition

The school term starts in September.

What does this technical term mean?

You must agree to the terms.

We are on good terms with our neighbours.

We are on good terms with our neighbors.

a school/academic term a fixed period for education The school term starts in September.

a technical/legal term a word with a specific meaning What does this technical term mean?

the terms of an agreement the conditions of a contract You must agree to the terms.

to be on good/bad terms with (sb.) to have a good/bad relationship with (sb.) We are on good terms with our neighbors.

Synonyms: period, session; word, expression; condition, provision

From Latin 'terminus' meaning 'end, boundary line'. This relates to the end of a period of time, or the defined boundary of a word's meaning.

Think of an airport 'terminal'. It's an end point (like the end of a school term) and it uses specific words (technical terms) on its signs.