tri-

1. a combining form meaning “three,” used in the formation of compound words.

   triacid; triatomic.

tri-

prefix

1. three or thrice

   triaxial

   trigon

   trisect

2. occurring every three

   trimonthly

Word History and Origins

Origin of tri-¹

Middle English < Latin, combining form representing Latin trēs, tria, Greek treîs, tría three

Word History and Origins

Origin of tri-¹

from Latin trēs , Greek treis

Example Sentences

Ahead of is arrival, residences in the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang were ordered to evacuate.

From BBC

People from the central provinces of Thanh Hoa, Quang Tri, Hue and Da Nang have been ordered to leave their homes.

From BBC

Gonzalez is a three-year starter with a 3.8 grade-point average and made the trip to Ventura on Thursday for a Tri County League media day that also featured players from Agoura, Hueneme, Dos Pueblos, San Marcos and Fillmore.

From Los Angeles Times

Supporters of Mexico’s national soccer team also share a fondness of Son because of a late goal he scored against Germany in the group stage of the 2018 World Cup, which enabled El Tri to advance to the round of 16.

From Los Angeles Times

“Un Mojado Sin Licencia” is in the same jaunty vein as other Mexican classics about illegal immigration such as Vicente Fernández’s “Los Mandados,” “El Corrido de Los Mojados” by Los Alegres de Terán and “El Muro” by rock en español dinosaurs El Tri.

From Los Angeles Times

When To Use

What does tri- mean?

Tri- is a combining form used like a prefix meaning “three.” Tri- is often used in a great variety of both everyday and technical terms.Tri- ultimately comes from both Greek treîs, tría and Latin trēs, tria, all of which mean “three.”