Terms

Terms are units of meaning used across languages and disciplines. A term can be a word, phrase, symbol, or set of symbols that names or expresses a concept within a system. In everyday use, terms are the vocabulary that helps people discuss ideas with precision.

In linguistics and terminology, a term is a conventional label for a concept within a domain. Technical terms are often standardized in glossaries, dictionaries, or nomenclatures to avoid ambiguity. The study of terms, or terminology, focuses on definitions, usage, and the relationships among related concepts.

In mathematics and logic, a term has a more specific meaning. In algebra, a term is a single summand of an expression, typically a coefficient times a variable (for example, 3x or 5x^2). In a polynomial such as 2x^3 + x − 7, there are three terms. In formal logic, terms may denote constants or variables within a language.

In law and business, terms refer to the conditions of an agreement or contract. Express terms are those stated explicitly, while implied terms arise from law, practice, or the relationship of the parties. Breach or dispute often centers on whether terms were misrepresented, omitted, or fulfilled.

Other common uses include the academic term, a division of the school year; and terms of service, which outline user rights and obligations in digital contexts. The word derives from Latin terminus, meaning boundary or limit, reflecting how terms delineate concepts, conditions, or periods within a system.