ternate

¹

[ tur-nit, -neyt ]

adjective

1. consisting of three; arranged in threes.
2. Botany.
   1. consisting of three leaflets, as a compound leaf.
   2. having leaves arranged in whorls of three, as a plant.

Ternate

²

[ ter-nah-te; English ter-nah-tee ]

noun

1. an island in E Indonesia, W of Halmahera: important source of spices. 53 sq. mi. (137 sq. km).

ternate

/ ˈtɜːnɪt; -neɪt /

adjective

1. (esp of a leaf) consisting of three leaflets or other parts
2. (esp of plants) having groups of three members

Derived Forms

• ˈternately, adverb

Other Words From

• ternate·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of ternate¹

From the New Latin word ternātus, dating back to 1745–55. See tern ², -ate ¹

Word History and Origins

Origin of ternate¹

C18: from New Latin ternātus, from Medieval Latin ternāre to increase threefold

Example Sentences

Terrified by this tyranny, the inhabitants of Ternate fled to other places, the city becoming entirely deserted.

From Project Gutenberg

The other leaves are glaucous and bi-ternate, the leaflets being narrow, fleshy, and tapering towards both ends.

From Project Gutenberg

It differs from the last in having ternate radical leaves with pinnatifid lobes, and the upper leaves, bi-pinnatifid.

From Project Gutenberg

While the Golden Hind remained off Ternate, a stranger came on board, very well dressed, and of courteous manners.

From Project Gutenberg

Having sighted Ternate and Tidore, the Unity anchored, on the evening of the 17th, off the former island.

From Project Gutenberg

Related Words

• threefold