Tertiary

word

1. Adjective

Being of the third formation, order, or rank; third; as, a tertiary use of a word.

2. Adjective

Possessing some quality in the third degree; having been subjected to the substitution of three atoms or radicals; as, a tertiary alcohol, amine, or salt. Cf. Primary, and Secondary.

3. Adjective

Later than, or subsequent to, the Secondary.

4. Adjective

Growing on the innermost joint of a bird's wing; tertial; -- said of quills.

5. Noun

A member of the Third Order in any monastic system; as, the Franciscan tertiaries; the Dominican tertiaries; the Carmelite tertiaries. See Third Order, under Third.

6. Noun

The Tertiary era, period, or formation.

7. Noun

One of the quill feathers which are borne upon the basal joint of the wing of a bird. See Illust. of Bird.
More about this word
Synonyms and related words
Explore this word