trivium

noun

triv·​i·​um ˈtri-vē-əm How to pronounce trivium (audio)
: a group of studies consisting of grammar, rhetoric, and logic and forming the lower division of the seven liberal arts in medieval universities compare quadrivium

Word History

Etymology

Medieval Latin, from Latin, meeting of three ways, crossroads

First Known Use

1647, in the meaning defined above

Time Traveler
The first known use of trivium was in 1647

Dictionary Entries Near trivium

Cite this Entry

“Trivium.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/trivium. Accessed 30 Dec. 2024.

More from Merriam-Webster on trivium

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!