tri- meaning: definition, etymology

tri-

prefix

/tɹaɪ/

Etymology PIE word *tréyes From Latin tri- (“three”) and Ancient Greek τρι- (tri-, “three”).

Morpheme Three.

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Morpheme Used for the digit three to form systematic element names of elements whose existence has been predicted, and which have not yet been given a trivial name.

un- (“1”) + bi- (“2”) + tri- (“3”) + -ium (element suffix) → unbitrium (“element 123”)

Related terms: ter-, -tri-, triad, triangle, triceps, trident, triennial, trifoliate, trigon, trigonometry, trimester, trinity, trio, tripartite, triplet, tripod, triptych, trireme, triumvirate, trivia

tri-

prefix

Etymology From Sanskrit त्रि (tri, “three”).

Chemistry, Natural sciences, Physical sciences Morpheme Used in combination with a known element name (e.g. 'tri-silicon', 'tri-lead') to designate an unknown element that would reside three periods lower than the known element on a Mendeleev-type periodic table. See Mendeleev's predicted elements.

Related terms: eka-, dvi-, number