English · Word Candidate

tertiary

/ˈtɜː.ʃi.ə.ɹiː/

Proposed by a contributor, not yet supported by evidence.

Also seen as: tertiaries

Sense 1

Meaning · English

Of third rank or order; subsequent.

Adjective

Examples

Beſides theſe primordial mountains, M. [P[eter] S[imon]] Pallas maintains, that there are others of a more recent origin. These he calls ſecondary and tertiary: […] the latter ariſe from the wrecks and contents of the ſea, raiſed and tranſported by volcanic eruptions and conſequent inundations.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 2

Meaning · English

Possessing some quality in the third degree; especially having been subjected to the substitution of three atoms or radicals.

Adjective

Examples

a tertiary alcohol, amine, or salt

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 3

Meaning · English

Any item considered to be of third order.

Noun

Examples

The primary rhizomes usually die during the growing season. The tertiaries and secondaries, however, live through the winter and become primary rhizomes the following year.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Sense 4

Meaning · English

A tertiary colour.

Noun

Examples

My principal objection is against the compound or derivative tints, given under the denominations of secondaries and tertiaries.

Usage example from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01)

Sources & notes

Adapted from English Wiktionary (CC BY-SA 4.0, retrieved 2026-08-01 via kaikki.org).

Common questions

What does “tertiary” mean?

Of third rank or order; subsequent.

Is “tertiary” formal or informal?

No register label has been reviewed yet — treat it as neutral and check the usage notes above.