terminator

noun

ter·​mi·​na·​tor ˈtər-mə-ˌnā-tər How to pronounce terminator (audio)
1
: the dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated part of the moon's or a planet's disk
2
: one that terminates

Examples of terminator in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web Oddly enough, the introduction of McGregor’s unstoppable terminator and genuine agent of chaos — who gets both a first-rate introduction scene and the film’s requisite naked-ass shot — gives this remake its giddy high point and signals the beginning of the end. David Fear, Rolling Stone, 9 Mar. 2024 Your best views of the will be right around what’s known as the terminator, the line between the sunlit and darkened part of the moon. Mike Lynch, Twin Cities, 21 Jan. 2024 In and around the District, these volunteer plant terminators are targeting nonnative weeds in an effort to protect the region’s parks and forests — and to improve their own mental well-being through camaraderie, community service and time in nature. Justin Wm. Moyer, Washington Post, 6 Oct. 2023 Leamon and McIntosh found clues in historical data suggesting that the timing of the terminator corresponds to the strength of the new cycle: An early terminator translates into more sunspots, and thus a stronger cycle. Javier Barbuzano, Quanta Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023 Based on the last terminator, which occurred in December 2021, the pair predicted that Cycle 25 would max out at 185 sunspots and peak in July 2024, nearly a full year earlier than the official prediction. Javier Barbuzano, Quanta Magazine, 7 Sep. 2023 For all the handshakes and hugs this weekend, Betts was a cold-blooded terminator between the lines. Peter Abraham, BostonGlobe.com, 27 Aug. 2023 For now Tan's team is working on programming cyborg bacteria to deliver vaccines and act as tiny terminators for cancer cells. Elise Cutts, Scientific American, 17 Apr. 2023 Clue terminator Amy Schneider made Jeopardy! Vulture, 24 Jan. 2022

These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'terminator.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.

Word History

First Known Use

1652, in the meaning defined at sense 2

Time Traveler
The first known use of terminator was in 1652

Dictionary Entries Near terminator

Cite this Entry

“Terminator.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terminator. Accessed 18 Mar. 2024.

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