TERMINAL - Definition & Meaning for Kids

Simple definitions and word synonyms for kids.

Part of speech: Adjective

of or relating to or situated at the ends of a delivery route

Example: freight pickup is a terminal service; terminal charges

• In transportation, a terminal is where journeys begin or end — the word comes from Latin 'terminus', meaning boundary.

Part of speech: Adjective

relating to or occurring in a term or fixed period of time

Example: terminal examinations; terminal payments

Part of speech: Noun

electronic equipment consisting of a device providing access to a computer; has a keyboard and display

Categories: Electronic equipment

Part of speech: Adjective

being or situated at an end

Example: the endmost pillar; terminal buds on a branch; a terminal station; the terminal syllable

Part of speech: Adjective

causing or ending in or approaching death

Example: a terminal patient; terminal cancer

The word "terminal" comes from Latin terminus, which was borrowed from Late Latin terminalis.

term – A related word in the same word family.

terminus – A related word in the same word family.

Many Latin words entered English twice—once through French and once through direct borrowing.