ternary

adjective

1. consisting of or involving three; threefold; triple.
2. third in order or rank.
3. based on the number three.
4. Chemistry.
   1. consisting of three different elements or groups.
   2. (formerly) consisting of three atoms.
5. Mathematics. having three variables.
6. Metallurgy. (of an alloy) having three principal constituents.

noun, plural ter·na·ries.

7. a group of three.

adjective

1. consisting of three or groups of three
2. maths
   1. (of a number system) to the base three
   2. involving or containing three variables
3. (of an alloy, mixture, or chemical compound) having three different components or composed of three different elements

noun plural -ries

4. a group of three

adj.early 15c., from Late Latin ternarius “consisting of three,” from terni “three by three,” from ter “thrice,” which is related to tres “three” (see three). adj.

1. Composed of three or arranged in threes, as a chemical compound containing three elements.

n.

1. A group of three.