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.
© Webster 1913.
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.
© Webster 1913.