Ancient Greek word root · Number & Measure

tri-: three

tri- is an Ancient Greek root meaning “three”. Learn its variants and explore 15 connected words.

Meaning and variants

Meaning: three

Root forms: tri-

Word family and examples

• trilogy

  A set of three connected works—usually dramas, literary pieces, films, or musical compositions—all related by theme, characters, or setting.

• trillion

  A statistic formed by a player playing some number of minutes, but recording no stats.

• triangular

  Shaped like a triangle.

• trident

  A three-pronged spear somewhat resembling a pitchfork.

• triad

  A grouping of three.

• tripod

  a three-legged stand for supporting a camera or other apparatus

• tricycle

  A cycle with three wheels, powered by pedals and usually intended for young children.

• triennial

  Happening every three years.

• trilateral

  Having three sides

• triplicate

  Made thrice as much; threefold; tripled.

• trigeminal

  Of or pertaining to the trigeminal nerve (the fifth cranial nerve).

• triode

  A thermionic valve containing an anode, a cathode, and a control grid; small changes to the charge on the grid control the flow from cathode to anode, which makes amplification possible.

• triplex

  Having three parts; triple or threefold.

• triangulate

  Synonym of triangular.

• triforce

  A shape composed of three equilateral triangles arranged in such a manner that a fourth triangle of identical size, but pointing the opposite direction, could fit between them.

Root connections help with vocabulary recall. They are not a complete etymological history, and a spelling match alone does not prove a relationship.

Explore this root in the app →