Any of a number of sea birds that are smaller than the typical seagull and are characterized by narrow wings, forked tails, and a white body with a black cap: "I could watch the tern sweep the sky for hours because it was so graceful."

An alloy of tin and lead used as a coating in the production of terne plate: "The master foundry operator knew the secret formula to produce terne; also known as terne plate."

1. To take a short walk: "We will turn into the park and go for a walk because the day is so fresh and lovely."
 2. To appeal for assistance: "She decided to turn to her family for the money she needed to start up her new business."
3. To become or to gradually change: "The weather is expected to turn very cold over night."

"She had to turn the key in the lock to the right in order to open the door."

1. The activity of doing something in agreed upon steps: "We each took our turn standing in line for the special concert tickets."

"We were playing checkers and it was my friend's turn to make a move."

 2. To appeal for assistance: "She decided to turn to her family for the money she needed to start up her new business."
3. An expected or unanticipated change in the direction something is going: "The turn in the road was so sharp that she had to slow the car down so she wouldn't have an accident."