from
The Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48
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.
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By thy triple shape as thou art seen. --Dryden.
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2. Three times repeated; treble. See {Treble}.
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3. One of three; third. [Obs.] --Shak.
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{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.
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