Ternary

Origin

Late Latin ternarius ("consisting of three things"), from terni ("three each").

Full definition of ternary

Adjective

1. Made up of three things; treble, triadic, triple, triplex
2. Arranged in groups of three
3. (mathematics) To the base three
• Donald Knuth, The Art of Computer ProgrammingPerhaps the prettiest number system of all ... is the balanced ternary notation.
4. (mathematics) Having three variables
5. (chemistry) Containing, or consisting of, three different parts, as elements, atoms, groups, or radicals, which are regarded as having different functions or relations in the molecule.Sodic hydroxide, NaOH, is a ternary compound.

Synonyms

• trinary

Derived terms

Noun

1. A group of three things; a trio, threesome or tierce