triple

Etymology

PIE word *tréyes From Middle English triple (also þripell), from Latin triplus. Doublet of treble.

adj

1. Made up of three related elements, often matching
   The triple markings on this vase are quite unique.
2. Of three times the quantity.
   Give me a triple serving of mashed potatoes.
3. Designed for three users.
   a triple room
4. Folded in three; composed of three layers.
5. Having three aspects.
   a triple meaning
6. (music) Of time, three times as fast as very fast.
7. (obsolete) One of three; third.

noun

1. Three times or thrice the number, amount, size, etc..
2. (informal) A drink with three portions of alcohol.
   I've had a hard day; make that a triple.
3. (US) A hamburger with three patties.
   I'd like a triple with cheese.
4. (baseball) A three-base hit.
   The shortstop hit a triple to lead off the ninth.
5. (basketball) A three-point field goal.
6. (curling) A takeout shot in which three stones are removed from play.
7. (mathematics, computing) A sequence of three elements or 3-tuple.

verb

1. To multiply by three.
   The company tripled their earnings per share over last quarter.
2. (baseball) To get a three-base hit.
   The batter tripled into the gap.
3. To become three times as large.
   Our earnings have tripled in the last year.
4. To serve or operate as (something), in addition to two other functions.
   Radio Shack's All-Purpose Crimper/Cutter ($9.95) doubles as a wire stripper and triples as a bolt cutter. 1982 January, Popular Mechanics, Best tools for your electronics workbench, volume 157, number 1, page 106
   Examination rooms contain shelves overstuffed with football helmets, autographed equipment and even rugby gear. If the office doubles as a mini-museum, it also triples as a minichapel. 2011, Mel LeCompte, The Tee Cotton Bowl