noun
trimester
try-MES-ter/traɪˈmestər/
One of three stages dividing a longer period.
These three months form one trimester of a nine-month period.
Etymology
The pieces express a three-month span: the Latin formation meant “of three months.” Its use for pregnancy applies that same unit of time to periods of gestation.
In context
after 12 weeks the fetus enters the second trimester the middle three months of pregnancy
More examples
- Morning sickness is common during the first trimester.
- Our school divides the academic year into three trimesters.
- Students choose a new elective each trimester.
Forms
trimester · trimesters