Terminal

Definition

Terminal has several meanings. It can refer to an end point, station, or destination, especially in transportation or communication. In computer science, it denotes an end point in a network or a device for entering and displaying data. Additionally, it can describe a condition that is incurable or fatal.

Parts of Speech

• Noun
• Adjective

Pronunciation

American English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɜrmɪnəl/
• Respelling: TUR-mih-nuhl (with "TUR" as in "turn," "mih" as in "mit," and "nuhl" as in "tunnel")

British English

• IPA Pronunciation: /ˈtɜːmɪnəl/
• Respelling: TUR-mih-nuhl (similar to American English, with "TUR" as in "turn," "mih" as in "mit," and "nuhl" like in "tunnel")

In both dialects, "terminal" is pronounced with the primary stress on the first syllable, "TUR." The pronunciation is consistent across both American and British English, with the main difference being in the length and quality of the "UR" sound, which tends to be slightly longer in British English.

Etymology

The word "terminal" traces back to the Latin word "terminalis," from "terminus" which means end or boundary.

Derivatives

• Terminality (noun)
• Terminally (adverb)
• Terminate (verb)
• Termination (noun)
• Terminator (noun)

Synonyms

• Endpoint
• Extremity
• Finale

Antonyms

• Beginning
• Origin
• Commencement

Usage

"Terminal" is often used in various fields such as transportation, computing, and medicine to denote end points, input/output devices, or a final stage of a disease, respectively.

Related Terms

• Terminal illness
• Terminal velocity
• Terminal emulator

Detailed Definition

Noun

• Transport Station: A facility where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or goods.
• Example: I'll meet you at the bus terminal.

• Computing Device: A device for entering data into a computer or a communication system or for receiving the output of these.
• Example: He sat at the terminal, typing commands into the system.

Adjective

• Final: Of, forming, or situated at the end or extremity of something.
• Example: The terminal phase of a project.

• Incurable Condition: Relating to a disease or condition which cannot be cured and eventually leads to death.
• Example: He was diagnosed with terminal cancer.