Tertiary

Pronunciation

Origin

From the Latin tertiārius ("of the third part or rank"), from tertius ("third") + -ārius (whence the English suffix -ary); compare the French tertiaire.

Full definition of tertiary

Adjective

1. Of third rank or order; subsequent.
2. (chemistry) Possessing some quality in the third degree; having been subjected to the substitution of three atoms or radicals.a tertiary alcohol, amine, or salt
3. (zoology, of quills) Growing on the innermost joint of a bird's wing; tertial.

Derived terms

• tertiary care

Coordinate terms

Noun

1. A tertiary feather.
2. A member of a Roman Catholic third order - the Franciscans, Dominicans and Carmelites among others.