tern Meaning, Definition & Usage

Tern noun

Etymology

Dan. terne, tærne; akin to Sw. tärna, Icel. erna; cf. NL. sterna.

Definitions

1. (Zoöl.) Any one of numerous species of long-winged aquatic birds, allied to the gulls, and belonging to Sterna and various allied genera. ✍ Terns differ from gulls chiefly in their graceful form, in their weaker and more slender bills and feet, and their longer and more pointed wings. The tail is usually forked. Most of the species are white with the back and wings pale gray, and often with a dark head. The common European tern (Sterna hirundo) is found also in Asia and America. Among other American species are the arctic tern (S. paradisæa), the roseate tern (S. Dougalli), the least tern (S. Antillarum), the royal tern (S. maxima), and the sooty tern (S. fuliginosa).

Tern adjective

Etymology

L. pl. terni three each, three; akin to tres three. See Three, and cf. Trine.

Definitions

1. Threefold; triple; consisting of three; ternate.

Tern noun

Etymology

F. terne. See Tern, a.

Definitions

1. That which consists of, or pertains to, three things or numbers together; especially, a prize in a lottery resulting from the favorable combination of three numbers in the drawing; also, the three numbers themselves.

   She'd win a tern in Thursday's lottery. Mrs. Browning.