Terne

Pronunciation: /tɜrn/

Definitions of terne

noun a dull gray alloy of lead and tin used to coat iron or steel to prevent rusting

Example Sentences

A1 I need to buy a new terne for my roof.

A2 The terne on the old building was starting to rust.

B1 The terne coating on the metal sheet provides corrosion resistance.

B2 The terne roof was a popular choice for historic buildings in the area.

C1 The terne material used in construction is a mixture of lead and tin.

C2 The terne cladding on the church was beautifully crafted.

Examples of terne in a Sentence

formal The terne coating on the roof helps to protect it from corrosion.

informal I love the look of terne roofs, they have a unique charm.

slang Let's go check out that terne roof, it's so cool!

figurative His heart was like a terne surface, tarnished but still strong underneath.

Grammatical Forms of terne

• past tense: terned
• plural: ternes
• comparative: more terne
• superlative: most terne
• present tense: terne
• future tense: will terne
• perfect tense: have terne
• continuous tense: is terneing
• singular: terne
• positive degree: terne
• infinitive: to terne
• gerund: terning
• participle: terning

Origin and Evolution of terne

First Known Use: 1400 year

Language of Origin: Middle English, Old French

Story behind the word: The word 'terne' originated from Middle English, derived from the Old French word 'terne' meaning 'alloy of lead and tin'.

Evolution of the word: Over time, the usage of the word 'terne' shifted from specifically referring to an alloy of lead and tin to more broadly encompassing any alloy of metals with a dull finish, particularly in the context of roofing materials.