Middle term

The middle term is the term that occurs in both premises (but not in the conclusion) of a categorical syllogism. The other two terms, called the end terms are the major term and minor term, which do appear in the conclusion.

Example:


 * Major premise: All men are mortal.
 * Minor premise: Socrates is a man.
 * Conclusion: Socrates is mortal.

The middle term is bolded above.