Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Triple?

\Tri"ple\, a. [L. triplus; tri- (see {Tri-}) + -plus, as in duplus double: cf. F. triple. See {Double}, and cf. {Treble}.] 1. Consisting of three united; multiplied by three; threefold; as, a triple knot; a triple tie. By thy triple shape as thou art seen. --Dryden. 2. Three times repeated; treble. See {Treble}. 3. One of three; third. [Obs.] --Shak. {Triple crown}, the crown, or tiara, of the pope. See {Tiara}, 2. {Triple-expansion steam engine}, a compound steam engine in which the same steam performs work in three cylinders successively. {Triple measure} (Mus.), a measure of tree beats of which first only is accented. {Triple ratio} (Math.), a ratio which is equal to 3. {Triple salt} (Chem.), a salt containing three distinct basic atoms as radicals; thus, microcosmic salt is a triple salt. {Triple star} (Astron.), a system of three stars in close proximity. {Triple time} (Mus.), that time in which each measure is divided into three equal parts. {Triple valve}, in an automatic air brake for railroad cars, the valve under each car, by means of which the brake is controlled by a change of pressure in the air pipe leading from the locomotive.
\Tri"ple\, v. i. [imp. & p. p. {Tripled}; p. pr. & vb. n. {Tripling}.] [Cf. F. tripler. See {Triple}, a.] To make threefold, or thrice as much or as many; to treble; as, to triple the tax on coffee.