The term 'POLITE TERM OF ADDRESS' can be broken down into three crossword solutions: SIR (3 letters), MAAM (4 letters), and GENTLEMEN (9 letters). SIR and Maam are terms of address used to show respect when speaking to someone, typically a stranger. SIR is used when addressing a man, while Maam is used when addressing a woman. GENTLEMEN is a term used to address a group of men, or to refer to a group of men collectively.