Tertiaries, in a general sense, refer to the third rank or level in a hierarchical structure. This term is commonly used in various contexts, such as in education systems, religious institutes, geology, and societies.
In the field of education, tertiaries typically refer to postgraduate programs or degrees earned after completing a bachelor's and master's degree. These programs often provide specialized knowledge and advanced training in specific disciplines.
Within religious contexts, tertiaries typically refer to individuals who are part of a third order or a lay branch associated with a religious order. These individuals differ from the primary members of the order (the monks or nuns) and the secondary members (ordained clergy), as they typically live in the world and follow a set of spiritual and moral principles but do not take the traditional vows of poverty, chastity, and obedience.
In geology, tertiaries refer to the third and final period of the Cenozoic Era, spanning from about 65.5 million to 2.6 million years ago. This period is characterized by the diversification of mammals, major tectonic events, and the appearance of modern plant species.
In a more general social context, tertiaries can refer to any group or category that occupies the third position in a particular system or hierarchy, frequently associated with tertiary industries (services) that follow primary (agriculture, mining) and secondary (manufacturing) sectors. These industries encompass activities like banking, healthcare, tourism, and education that provide services rather than goods.
In summary, "tertiaries" generally refers to the third level or rank in various spheres such as education, religious orders, geology, and social categories.
