Definition

1. Noun:
   • One of three divisions of an academic year: A trimester is one of the three approximately equal periods into which an academic year is sometimes divided.
   • A period of three months; especially one of the three three-month periods into which human pregnancy is divided: A trimester is any period of three months. It is most commonly used to describe one of the three distinct three-month stages of human pregnancy.

Examples of Usage

• Academic Context:

  • The university operates on a trimester system, with the fall trimester beginning in September.
  • Final exams are held at the end of each trimester.

• Pregnancy/Medical Context:

  • Morning sickness is most common during the first trimester.
  • The second trimester is often when the mother feels the baby move for the first time.

Advanced Usage

• "to be in the [first/second/third] trimester": To be in a specific three-month stage of pregnancy.
  • She is in her third trimester and is preparing for the baby's arrival.

Variants and Related Words

• Trimestral (adj): Occurring every three months or relating to a trimester.
  • The company issues trimestral financial reports.

Synonyms

• Quarter (Note: A quarter is typically one of parts of a year, whereas a trimester is one of parts.)
• Three-month period
• Term (in an academic context)

Noun

1. one of three divisions of an academic year
2. a period of three months; especially one of the three three-month periods into which human pregnancy is divided