Ter"na*ry (?), a. [L. ternarius, fr.
terni. See Tern, a.] 1.
Proceeding by threes; consisting of three; as, the ternary
number was anciently esteemed a symbol of perfection, and held in great
veneration.
2. (Chem.) 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; thus,
sodic hydroxide, NaOH, is a ternary compound.
Ter"na*ry, n.; pl.
Ternaries (&?;). A ternion; the number three; three
things taken together; a triad.
Some in ternaries, some in pairs, and some
single.
Holder.
Ter"na*ry (?), a. [L. ternarius, fr.
terni. See Tern, a.] 1.
Proceeding by threes; consisting of three; as, the ternary
number was anciently esteemed a symbol of perfection, and held in great
veneration.
2. (Chem.) 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; thus,
sodic hydroxide, NaOH, is a ternary compound.
Ter"na*ry, n.; pl.
Ternaries (&?;). A ternion; the number three; three
things taken together; a triad.
Some in ternaries, some in pairs, and some
single.
Holder.
