tripartite

[ trahy-pahr-tahyt ]

adjective

1. divided into or consisting of three parts:

   the tripartite occupation of West Germany.

2. involving, participated in, or made by three parties:

   a tripartite treaty signed by Argentina, Brazil, and Chile.

3. Botany. divided into three parts.

tripartite

/ traɪˈpɑːtaɪt /

adjective

1. divided into or composed of three parts
2. involving three participants
3. (esp of leaves) consisting of three parts formed by divisions extending almost to the base

Derived Forms

• triˈpartitely, adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of tripartite¹

1375–1425; late Middle English < Latin tripartītus divided into three parts, equivalent to tri- tri- + partītus, past participle of partīre to divide. See part, -ite ²

Example Sentences

He said what was proposed was a "tripartite" arrangement between the club, manufacturer Adidas and retailer JD Sports, the likes of which had "been in the market for up to 10 years without attracting attention".

From BBC

He is also working to destabilize the shaky government of Bosnia-Herzegovina, which is divided into an odd tripartite presidency with one representative of each of the three major ethno-religious constituencies.

From Seattle Times

In the ideal version of this tripartite relationship, all parties have recognized institutional roles they are expected to fulfill for the common good.

From Salon

He intends to strip the legislative branch and the judiciary of their powers under the tripartite system of United States government and confer all power to the executive branch.

From Salon

“I was not part of the planning. I’m in no position to try to stop it. This is a tripartite strategic project,” Rabuka said.

From Seattle Times