principal parts

noun

, (used with a plural verb)

1. a set of inflected forms of a form class from which all the other inflected forms can be derived, as sing, sang, sung; smoke, smoked.

principal parts

plural noun

1. grammar the main inflected forms of a verb, from which all other inflections may be deduced. In English they are generally considered to consist of the third person present singular, present participle, past tense, and past participle
2. the sides and interior angles of a triangle

Word History and Origins

Origin of principal parts¹

First recorded in 1865–70

Example Sentences

In most cases the principal parts of the plants alone were colored; the rest was only pencilled with great accuracy.

From Project Gutenberg

There are four principal parts distinguishable in this creature; the head, the breast, the belly, and the tail.

From Project Gutenberg

From three separate sources invisible currents are led to its principal parts, and are at once physically changed.

From Project Gutenberg

For this purpose, we shall take a short view of the culture of the Pine Apple in the principal parts of the Continent.

From Project Gutenberg

The following ministers took the principal parts in the services of that day: Mr. Grundy delivered the charge, from Titus ii.

From Project Gutenberg