Webster's New World Medical Dictionary

triglyceride test
A simple blood test to measure
the level of triglycerides in the blood. Triglyceride
levels are influenced by recent fat and alcohol
intake, so a person being tested should fast from
food and alcohol for at least 12 hours before being
tested. The normal level of triglycerides depends on
the age and sex of the individual. Mild to moderate
triglyceride increases occur in many conditions,
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including alcohol abuse, obstruction of the bile
ducts, and diabetes. High levels of triglycerides
(greater than 200 mg/dl) are associated with a
heightened risk of heart disease. Markedly high
triglyceride levels (greater than 500 mg/dl) can
cause inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis).
See also 
triglyceride.
triiodothyronine
A hormone that is made by the
thyroid gland. Triiodothyronine has three iodine
molecules attached to its molecular structure. It is
the most powerful thyroid hormone, and it affects
almost every process in the body, including body
temperature, growth, and heart rate. Also known as
T3 and liothyronine.
trimester
In obstetrics, one of the three divisions
of three months each during pregnancy, in which
different phases of fetal development take place.
The first trimester is a time of basic cell differentia-
tion. The second trimester is a period of rapid
growth and maturation of body systems. A second-
trimester fetus that is born prematurely may be
viable, given the best hospital care possible. The
third trimester marks the final stage of fetal growth,
in which systems are completed, fat accumulates
under the soon-to-be-born baby’s skin, and the
fetus at last moves into position for birth. This
trimester ends with birth.