| 释义 |
tern
I. \ˈtərn, ˈtə̄n, ˈtəin\ noun
(-s)
Etymology: of Scandinavian origin; akin to Old Norse therna tern, and probably to Old English stearn, a bird, probably tern — more at starling
: any of numerous sea birds of Sterna and related genera that are smaller and slenderer in body and bill than typical gulls, have narrower wings and often forked tails, and are more graceful and dashing in flight — called also sea swallow
II. adjective
Etymology: Latin terni (plural) three each; akin to Latin tres three — more at three
: ternate
III. noun
(-s)
1. : something that consists of three things or numbers together : trio, triplet
2. also tern schooner [French terne, from Latin terni three each] : a 3-masted schooner |