Meaning & Definition of word "Terminal"

Terminal

/ˈtɜrnɪməl/

noun:

  • 1. A place where vehicles or passengers arrive and depart.
    • Example: We arrived at the airport terminal just in time for our flight.
  • 2. A device or point of connection for a computer or telecommunications network.
    • Example: She accessed the database through a terminal connected to the mainframe.
  • 3. A station on a railway line or bus route.
    • Example: The bus terminal was crowded with commuters during rush hour.

adjective:

  • 1. Forming or relating to an end or extremity.
    • Example: He was diagnosed with a terminal illness, which left him with little time.
  • 2. Relating to a terminal that provides information and services.
    • Example: The terminal display showed the latest flight information.

Etymology

From Latin 'terminalis', meaning 'of a boundary or limit'.

Common Phrases and Expressions

terminal illness:

A disease that is incurable and expected to lead to death.

terminal velocity:

The highest velocity attainable by an object as it falls through a fluid.

terminal station:

The last station on a railway line.

terminal block:

An electrical connector where wires can be connected.

Related Words

terminate:

To bring to an end.

termination:

The act of ending something.

terminus:

A final point in a journey or process.

terminology:

The set of technical or specialized words used in a particular field.

Slang Meanings of terminal

Meaning: To die, often used in a humorous context.

Example Sentence: That budget review was so bad, I thought I was terminal.

Meaning: Referencing a point of no return in a situation.

Example Sentence: Once I opened that door, I felt like I was at a terminal point.