Terminal Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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terminal
[ˈtɜːrmɪnl ]
Definitions
computer software
A terminal is a device that allows the user to communicate with a computer system. It typically consists of a keyboard and a screen, providing a user interface to interact with the computer. Terminals can be physical devices or software applications.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| terminal |
This word is listed twice and has the same meaning in both entries; see the first entry labeled 'terminal'. |
| console |
In computing, this refers to a text interface for administering and managing computer systems. It can also refer to a gaming console.
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| interface |
Refers to a shared boundary across which two or more separate components of a computer system exchange information. It can also refer to the user interface (UI) of software.
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| client |
Used in both computing and business. In computing, it refers to a piece of software that accesses services provided by a server. In business, it refers to a person or organization using professional services.
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Examples of usage
- You can access the mainframe using a terminal.
- The terminal displays the output of the program.
transportation
A terminal is a building or facility where transportation vehicles arrive and depart. It can be a bus terminal, train terminal, airport terminal, etc.
Synonyms
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
| Word | Description / Examples |
|---|---|
| terminal |
Use 'terminal' when referring to a major point of origin or destination for transport, such as at an airport or a port. It's often associated with air travel or shipping.
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| station |
A 'station' is a place where passenger transport vehicles, like trains or buses, stop to pick up or drop off passengers. It can also refer to a building where public activities occur, such as a police station.
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| depot |
A 'depot' is a facility for the storage and maintenance of vehicles or goods. It often refers to places where buses, trucks, or trains are kept when not in use.
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| hub |
A 'hub' is a central point of activity and connections, often in the context of transport or logistics networks. This term emphasizes efficiency and the connection of different routes.
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Examples of usage
- We arrived at the bus terminal just in time.
- The airport terminal was bustling with travelers.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Science
- In genetics, a 'terminal' structure can denote the end of a chromosome, known as a telomere, important for cell aging.
- The term 'terminal velocity' in physics is the constant speed that a freely falling object eventually reaches.
- In medicine, a 'terminal illness' refers to diseases that cannot be cured or treated effectively, leading to death.
Technology
- In computing, a 'terminal' refers to an interface where users can input data, like a command line in Unix systems.
- Early computers used terminals as physical devices to interact with mainframes, making them essential for computing history.
- Modern use of the term includes terminals in networks or digital environments, serving as vital hubs for data exchange.
Transportation
- A bus or train terminal is a designated area where vehicles load and unload passengers, vital for public transport.
- Airports have terminals as centralized locations for airlines to manage flights and provide services to travelers.
- Major cities often have multiple terminals to accommodate various transport services, improving connectivity.
Literature
- In literary works, the concept of a 'terminal' can symbolize endings and new beginnings, often representing character development.
- Terminal settings in novels often create a sense of finality, influencing themes of change and transition.
- Poets often use the imagery of terminals to reflect life journeys and the passage of time.
Origin of 'terminal'
Main points about word origin
- The word 'terminal' comes from the Latin 'terminalis', meaning 'end' or 'boundary'.
- It was originally used to describe the endpoints in transportation networks before being applied to technology.
- In language development, 'terminal' has evolved to mean any point of connection or conclusion.
The word 'terminal' originated in the late 15th century from the Latin word 'terminalis,' meaning 'pertaining to a boundary or end.' It evolved to refer to the end of a railway line or a transportation station. In the context of computers, the term 'terminal' emerged in the mid-20th century with the development of interactive computing systems.