triumviri

triumviri

A triumviri meets with his two colleagues in the Roman forum.

Definition
  1. Noun (plural of ):
    • Historical term: In ancient Rome, "triumviri" refers to a group of three men who jointly held a position of power or authority, especially as part of a political commission or ruling alliance known as a triumvirate.
    • By extension: The word can denote any trio of individuals who share leadership or responsibility in a formal or informal context.
Usage Examples
  • (Three Roman leaders who shared political power.)
  • (A commission of three officials.)
  • (The three-man ruling body.)
Advanced Usage
  • "The triumviri of the Second Triumvirate": Octavian, Mark Antony, and Lepidus, who ruled Rome after Julius Caesar's assassination.
    • The triumviri of the Second Triumvirate divided the Roman territories among themselves. (The three co-rulers.)
  • "Triumviri capitales": A specific Roman board of three officials responsible for prison administration and executions.
    • The triumviri capitales handled criminal justice in ancient Rome. (The three magistrates.)
Variants and Related Words
  • Triumvir (n, singular): One member of a triumvirate.
    • Each triumvir had equal authority in the alliance. (A single member of the three.)
  • Triumvirate (n): The office or coalition of three rulers.
    • The triumvirate lasted only a few years before internal conflict erupted. (The three-person ruling body.)
  • Triumviral (adj): Relating to a triumvir or triumvirate.
    • The triumviral powers were formally recognized by the Senate. (Pertaining to the three rulers.)
Synonyms
  • Three-man commission: A group of three people assigned to a specific task.
  • Trio of rulers: Three individuals who govern jointly.
  • Triarchy: Government by three people (a rare term).
Related Idioms
  • "The three heads of the hydra": A metaphorical reference to a triumvirate, implying a powerful but potentially unstable coalition.
    • The triumviri were like the three heads of the hydra — united but dangerous. (A trio with shared but conflicting interests.)
Phrasal Verbs (Not applicable; "triumviri" is a noun with no verb form.)

Note: "Triumviri" is exclusively used in historical or formal contexts, typically referring to ancient Rome. It is the plural form; the singular is "triumvir."