trinomial

[ trahy-noh-mee-uh l ]
/ traɪˈnoʊ mi əl /

adjective

Algebra. consisting of or pertaining to three terms.
Biology.
  1. pertaining to a scientific name comprising three terms, as of genus, species, and subspecies or variety.
  2. characterized by the use of such names.

noun

Algebra. an expression that is a sum or difference of three terms, as 3x + 2y + z or 3x3 + 2x2 + x.
Biology. a trinomial name, as Rosa gallica pumila.

Origin of trinomial

First recorded in 1665–75; tri- + (bi)nomial

OTHER WORDS FROM trinomial

tri·no·mi·al·ly, adverb

Example sentences from the Web for trinomial

British Dictionary definitions for trinomial

trinomial
/ (traɪˈnəʊmɪəl) /

adjective

maths consisting of or relating to three terms
biology denoting or relating to the three-part name of an organism that incorporates its genus, species, and subspecies

noun

maths a polynomial consisting of three terms, such as ax ² + bx + c
biology the third word in the trinomial name of an organism, which distinguishes between subspecies

Derived forms of trinomial

trinomially, adverb

Word Origin for trinomial

C18: tri- + -nomial on the model of binomial

Scientific definitions for trinomial

trinomial
[ trī-nōmē-əl ]

A mathematical expression that is the sum of three monomials, such as ax2 + bx - c.
A taxonomic designation indicating genus, species, and subspecies or variety, as in Brassica oleracea botrytis, the cauliflower.