terms

Noun

term (plural terms)

1. (original meaning, by derivation) That which limits the extent of anything; limit, extremity, bound, boundary, terminus.
   • Corruption is a reciprocal to generation, and they two are as nature's two terms, or boundaries.1627 (indicated as 1626), Francis [Bacon], “(please specify the page, or |century=I to X)”, in Sylua Syluarum: Or A Naturall Historie. In Ten Centuries. […], London: […] William Rawley […]; [p]rinted...
2. (often, plural) Any of the binding conditions or promises in a contract or agreement.
   • Be sure to read the terms and conditions before signing.
3. (in plural) Specifically, the conditions in a legal contract that specify the price and also how and when payment must be made.
   • Q: What are your company's terms? A: Net thirty, cash or check. [This answer means that the net total must be paid within 30 days; see Net D.]
4. A limited or defined timespan.
   • The term of a lease agreement is the period of time during which the lease is effective, and may be fixed, periodic, or of indefinite duration.
5. Duration of officeholding, or its limit; period in office of fixed length.
   • The president is almost half way through his term.
6. The time during which legal courts are open.

See all 26 meanings of term