The English prefix tri-, derived from both Latin and Greek roots, means “three.” Let’s do a “triple double” by looking at these two root words that mean “three!”
Math, as one might expect, often uses number prefixes, and the prefix tri- meaning “three” is no exception. A triangle is a figure with “three” angles. The branch of mathematics which primarily studies triangles is trigonometry, or the measurement of figures containing “three” angles. The number trillion, bandied about so much these days in the news, is the number 1000 times itself another “three” times. If you triple a trillion, you make it “three” times bigger!
The Ironman triathlon consists of “three” grueling athletic contests: 2.4 miles of swimming, 112 miles of cycling, and a full marathon distance for running. Athletes participating in the Ironman could not do well without their triceps, or that muscle which attaches in “three” places on the back of the upper arm, opposite the biceps. Rest assured that these elite triathletes do not use tricycles, or a bicycle with “three” wheels, in the cycling part of the contest!
The humanities as well love using the prefix tri-, or “three.” A trio is a musical group that consists of “three” singers. A triad can also refer to any group of “three.” The god Poseidon wielded the powerful trident, or mighty spear that had “three” prongs. A trilogy consists of a series of “three” books, such as in the series The Lord of the Rings.
And last but not least, a dilemma perhaps doesn’t seem so bad when you have a trilemma on your hands instead, or a very difficult choice between “three” options instead of just two!
Now you will no longer have to “try” to figure out what the English prefix tri- means, perhaps tripling your time saved by not having to look in the dictionary for all those once “trying” tri- words!
- triangle: geometrical figure with ‘3’ angles
- trigonometry: the mathematical study of figure with ‘3’ angles
- trillion: the number 1000 multiplied by itself another ‘3’ times
- triple: to multiply by ‘3’
- triathlon: an athletic contest featuring ‘3’ primary events
- triceps: a muscle with ‘3’ heads, or places where it attaches
- tricycle: a bicycle with ‘3’ wheels
- trio: a group of ‘3’ singers
- triad: any group of ‘3’
- trident: a spear with ‘3’ prongs
- trilogy: a series which consists of ‘3’ books
- trilemma: a choice you have to make between ‘3’ equally viable options