tri|par|tite

tri|par|tite «try PAHR tyt», adjective.

1. divided into or composed of three parts; threefold; triple.

2. involving division into three parts.

3. Botany. divided into three parts nearly to the base: »

a tripartite leaf.

4. having three corresponding parts or copies, as an indenture drawn up between three persons or parties, each of whom preserves one of the copies.

5. made or shared by three parties: »

a tripartite treaty between the United States, Great Britain, and France.

6. consisting of or involving three parties: »

a tripartite league.

╂[< Latin tripartītus < tri- three + partītus, past participle of partīrī to divide < pars, partis share, portion]

–tri|par´tite|ly, adverb.