Definition of "ternary" in English

adjective

1. Made up of three things.

2. Arranged in groups of three.

3. (arithmetic) To the base three.

4. (arithmetic) Having three variables.

5. (chemistry) Containing, or consisting of, three different parts, as elements, atoms, groups, or radicals, which are regarded as having different functions or relations in the molecule.

   • Sodic hydroxide, NaOH, is a ternary compound.

6. (programming) Of an operator taking three operands.

   • An "if…then…else" construction is called a ternary operator when it is combined in one line of a program.

noun

1. A group of three things; a trio, threesome or tierce.

2. (obsolete) The Holy Trinity.

   • And albeit these thynges be waighty and truthes of great importance, yet (by the infinite goodnes of the Almighty Ternarie,) Artificiall Methods and easy wayes are made, by which the zelous Philosopher, may wyn nere this Riuerish Ida, this Mountayne of Contemplation […] .