Etymologically
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tri-

This is the current revision of this entry, as edited by bogdan on 23 October 2026 at 04:06. This address is a permanent link to this version.
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Pronunciation

  • Classical: [ˈtrɪ][1]
  • Ecclesiastical: [ˈtriː][1]

Forms

tri-[1] The i is short, but sometimes lengthened, especially in numerals (trīduum).[2][3]

Etymology

It is inherited from Proto-Italic *tri-,[1] the combining form of the numeral trēs (“three”),[4][1][3] from Proto-Indo-European *tri- (“three”), the form used in compounds.[3]

Compare Umbrian tripler (“three at a time”).[3]

Meanings

Prefix

  1. Having three, consisting of three (triplex, tridēns).[4][1]
  2. Of three units of time (triennium).[4]

Word family

Usage notes

English tri- has two sources: Latin tri- and the Greek prefix of the same form.[2]

References

  1. ^ a b c d e f Wiktionary, the free dictionary, https://en.wiktionary.org
  2. ^ a b Harper, Douglas. Online Etymology Dictionary, https://www.etymonline.com
  3. ^ a b c d de Vaan, Michiel (2008), Etymological Dictionary of Latin and the other Italic Languages, Leiden Indo-European Etymological Dictionary Series 7, Leiden; Boston: Brill
  4. ^ a b c Glare, P. G. W., ed. (2012), Oxford Latin Dictionary, 2nd ed., Oxford: Oxford University Press