1. a group of three letters
Usage: linguistics
2. one of the eight symbolic figures used in the I Ching, each consisting of three parallel lines that are either broken or unbroken
Usage: Chinese philosophy

Examples

• The word ‘cat’ contains the trigram ‘cat’.
• Linguists analyze trigrams to study letter patterns in different languages.
• Each trigram in the I Ching represents a different natural element or force.
• The ancient Chinese used trigrams for divination and philosophical reflection.
• Computer programs can identify common trigrams in text analysis.
• The eight trigrams combine to form the 64 hexagrams of the I Ching.