terminal

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adjective ter·mi·nal \ˈtərm-nəl, ˈtər-mə-n^əl\

Definition of terminal

1a (1) : leading ultimately to death : fatal terminal cancer (2) : approaching or close to death : being in the final stages of a fatal disease a terminal patient (3) : of or relating to patients with a terminal illness terminal careb : of, relating to, or occurring in a term or each term terminal paymentsc : extremely or hopelessly severe terminal boredom
2a : of or relating to an end, extremity, boundary, or terminus a terminal pillarb : growing at the end of a branch or stem a terminal bud
3a : occurring at or constituting the end of a period or series : concluding the terminal moments of lifeb : not intended as preparation for further academic work a terminal curriculum

terminally

adverb

See terminal defined for English-language learners

See terminal defined for kids

Examples of terminal in a Sentence

She was diagnosed with terminal cancer.
I was suffering from terminal boredom.
another person with terminal stupidity
branches that end in a terminal bud

Origin and Etymology of terminal

Latin terminalis, from terminus

First Known Use: 1744

Synonym Discussion of terminal

last, final, terminal, ultimate mean following all others (as in time, order, or importance). last applies to something that comes at the end of a series but does not always imply that the series is completed or stopped. last page of a book last news we had of him final applies to that which definitely closes a series, process, or progress. final day of school terminal may indicate a limit of extension, growth, or development. terminal phase of a disease ultimate implies the last degree or stage of a long process beyond which further progress or change is impossible. the ultimate collapse of the system

terminal

noun ter·mi·nal

Definition of terminal

1a : either end of a carrier line having facilities for the handling of freight and passengersb : a freight or passenger station that is central to a considerable area or serves as a junction at any point with other linesc : a town or city at the end of a carrier line : terminus
2 : a combination of a keyboard and output device (such as a video display unit) by which data can be entered into or output from a computer or electronic communications system
3 : a device attached to the end of a wire or cable or to an electrical apparatus for convenience in making connections
4 : a part that forms the end : extremity, termination
5 : a terminating usually ornamental detail : finial

See terminal defined for English-language learners

Examples of terminal in a Sentence

I will meet you outside the bus terminal.
Flight 1584 is now departing from Gate 6 in Terminal A.
You are not allowed in the terminal without a ticket.
Ten terminals are connected to this server.
You will need to clean the corrosion off the battery terminals.

1838

First Known Use of terminal

1838

Other Architecture Terms

buttress, casita, cornice, fanlight, garret, lintel, parapet, pilaster, plinth

TERMINAL Defined for English Language Learners

terminal

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adjective

Definition of terminal for English Language Learners

: causing death eventually : leading finally to death
: having an illness that cannot be cured and that will soon lead to death
: of or relating to patients who have a terminal illness

terminal

noun

Definition of terminal for English Language Learners

: a building where buses or trains regularly stop so that passengers can get on and off
: a building at an airport where people get on and off airplanes
: a computer or a combination of a keyboard and a video display that is connected to a system and used for entering or receiving data

TERMINAL Defined for Kids

terminal

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adjective ter·mi·nal \ˈtər-mə-n^əl\

Definition of terminal for Students

: relating to or forming an end branches with terminal buds

terminal

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noun ter·mi·nal

Definition of terminal for Students

1 : either end of a transportation line or a passenger or freight station located at it the bus terminal
2 : a device (as in a computer system) used to put in, receive, and display information He typed his request into the terminal.
3 : a device at the end of a wire or on a machine for making an electrical connection

Medical Dictionary

terminal

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adjective ter·mi·nal \ˈtərm-nəl, -ən-^əl\

Medical Definition of terminal

1: of, relating to, or being at an end, extremity, boundary, or terminus the terminal phalanx of a finger
2a: leading ultimately to death : fatal terminal cancerb: approaching or close to death : being in the final stages of a fatal disease a terminal patientc: of or relating to patients with a terminal illness terminal care
3: being at or near the end of a chain of atoms making up a molecule the terminal carbon