trio

trio, group of three

noun TREE-oh Rare

Usage Note

Trio is borrowed directly from Italian and is used in music (three performers or a composition for three voices/instruments) as well as informally for any group of three people or things. The word is invariable in spelling for both singular and plural use in French. It contrasts with duo (two) and quatuor (four).

Examples

"Le trio a joué une sonate de Beethoven."

Natural Translation

The trio played a Beethoven sonata.

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