Definition

A unit of measurement for liquid capacity that is one-third of a pipe, equivalent to 42 gallons, or a term used in music to describe an interval of a third.

Example

The barrel held a tierce of wine, which was enough for the celebration.

Conversation

Did you know that a tierce is actually a measure of liquid capacity?

Really? I had no idea what that word meant!

Yeah, it's equivalent to about 42 gallons.

That's quite a bit of liquid! I wonder how they came up with that measurement.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Tierce → It originates from Old French *tierce*, meaning a third part or a third. The word refers to something that is one of three equal parts.

Memory Tip

Think of 'a third part' — that's what tierce means, representing one of three equal sections.

Visually Confused Words