terna

Terna is a noun used in Italian and several other Romance languages to denote a group of three items—a triad or trio. The word derives from Latin ternus, related to threefold or three at a time. In general usage, terna describes any set of three related things or people, such as a terna di numeri or a terna di artisti.

In gambling, particularly in Italian betting contexts, terna refers to a bet on three numbers that are expected to be drawn in a lottery. If all three chosen numbers appear among the winning numbers, the bettor wins a payout determined by the stake and the wagering rules for that draw. The term can also appear in variations that impose or relax order requirements on the drawn numbers.

Beyond gambling, terna is used in organizational or political language to denote a shortlist of three candidates proposed for a post or position, or a panel of three experts asked to make recommendations. In these contexts, the concept emphasizes a triad from which a selection or decision is made.

Overall, terna functions as a versatile term for a triad in language, while also occupying a specialized meaning in lottery wagering. The word is widely understood in regions where Italian and related Romance languages are spoken.