Terminal Meaning and Definition
Terminal
Pronunciation
/tərˈmɪnəl/
Part of Speech
Noun
Definition
A point of access or departure for a particular line or route; a station or point of arrival or departure, especially one that is the final point of a journey or route.
Examples
- The terminal was bustling with travelers.
- She waited at the terminal for her flight.
Synonyms
- End
- Destination
Antonyms
- Origin
- Starting point
Additional Information
A terminal is a point where a journey or route terminates, often used in transportation, computing, and other contexts. In computing, a terminal is a user interface that allows access to a computer system or network.
In biology, a terminal refers to the end of an organism or a part of an organism, such as the terminal buds of a plant.
Etymology
The word “terminal” comes from the Latin “terminus,” meaning “boundary” or “limit.”
Usage Notes
In informal contexts, the term “terminal” may refer to a disease or condition that is severe or terminal, meaning that it is likely to be fatal or have a very poor prognosis.
Cultural References
The term “terminal” has appeared in various movies, books, and TV shows, often referring to a point or location where a journey or mission ends or reaches its climax.
Idiomatic Expressions or Phrases
“Terminal velocity” refers to the maximum speed an object can reach while falling or moving under the influence of gravity.
Related Words or Phrases
- Origin
- Destination
- Beginning
- End
Collocations
- Airport terminal
- Bus terminal
- Terminal velocity
Frequency of Use
The term “terminal” is commonly used in everyday language, with a moderate to high frequency of use.
Common Misspellings
Terminal is often misspelled as “terminol” or “terminul.”