trimester

[trahy-mes-ter, trahy-mes-]

noun

1. a term or period of three months.

2. one of the three approximately equal terms into which the year is divided by some colleges, schools, etc.

trimester

/ traɪˈmɛstə /

noun

1. a period of three months

2. (in some US and Canadian universities or schools) any of the three academic sessions

Other Word Forms

• trimestral adjective
• trimestrial adjective

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimester¹

1815–25; < French trimestre < Latin trimē ( n ) stris of three months, equivalent to tri- tri- + -mē ( n ) stris ( semester )

Word History and Origins

Origin of trimester¹

C19: from French trimestre , from Latin trimēstris of three months, from _tri- + mēnsis month

Example Sentences

Now 38 and pregnant in her third trimester with her third child, Ms Ventura met Mr Combs when she was a 19-year-old aspiring singer and he was 37.

From BBC

One study Sufrin conducted found half of states allowed women who were incarcerated to have abortions in the first and second trimesters, but 14% did not allow them at all.

From Salon

There are no gestational age restrictions, although most abortions are performed during the first trimester and those after 23 weeks require specialized care.

From Los Angeles Times

"This should've happened weeks and weeks ago and never been allowed to get to the stage where she is in the second trimester," her mother told the Royal Courts of Justice.

From BBC

The 29-year-old has also endured a tricky pregnancy, with nausea and vomiting extending into her second trimester.

From BBC