Terminus Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations
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terminus
[ˈtɜːrmɪnəs ]
Definitions
transportation
Terminus refers to the final station or destination of a transportation route, such as a train or bus line. It is the point at which the journey ends and passengers disembark.
Synonyms
destination, end point, final stop.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
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terminus |
This term is often used in formal contexts, particularly in transportation and urban planning, to denote the last station or stop on a transportation route.
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end point |
This is often used in more technical or scientific contexts to indicate the final stage or location of a process or journey.
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final stop |
Typically used in casual conversation to refer to the last stop on a public transportation route.
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destination |
Commonly used in everyday speech and writing to refer to the place where someone or something is going.
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Examples of usage
- The train pulled into the terminus, bringing an end to our long journey.
- The bus terminus was bustling with commuters rushing to catch their rides home.
architecture
In architecture, terminus is used to describe a sculptural element that marks the formal end of a street, garden path, or vista. It serves as a decorative or symbolic feature at the end of a visual axis.
Synonyms
boundary sculpture, culmination piece, endpoint marker.
Which Synonym Should You Choose?
Word | Description / Examples |
---|---|
terminus |
Appropriate for discussing the final point or conclusion of something, often in a formal or technical setting.
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Examples of usage
- The terminus at the end of the garden path was adorned with intricate carvings.
- The street terminated in a grand terminus featuring a statue of a historical figure.
Translations
To see the translation, please select a language from the options available.
Interesting Facts
Transportation
- In railway terminology, a terminus is the last station on a line, where trains either terminate or reverse.
- Major urban areas often have central termini that serve as crucial hubs for commuters and travelers.
- The first underground railway terminus was the Metropolitan Railway, opened in London in 1863.
Literature
- The term appears in various literary works where it symbolizes the conclusion of a significant journey or story arc.
- Notable authors, including James Joyce, have used the concept of a terminus to explore existential themes in their narratives.
- In poetry, reaching a terminus can evoke feelings of finality and reflection.
Science
- In biology, a terminus can refer to the final stage of development in a cellular lifecycle.
- In genetics, terminus may indicate the ends of chromosomes where vital genetic information is located.
- The concept is also present in environmental sciences, where it may describe the endpoint of natural processes.
Pop Culture
- In popular movies and TV series, a terminus often represents a turning point or pivotal moment in the plot.
- Comic book series sometimes use the term to signify the climactic showdown or resolution of a story.
- Video games may feature a 'terminus' as the ultimate location players strive to reach or conquer.
Origin of 'terminus'
Main points about word origin
- The word comes from Latin 'terminus', meaning 'boundary' or 'limit'.
- In ancient Rome, 'Terminus' was also the god of boundaries and landmarks.
- It has been used in English since the early 19th century, primarily in transportation contexts.
The word 'terminus' originates from Latin, where it means 'boundary' or 'end'. It has been used in various contexts throughout history, including transportation and architecture. The concept of a terminus has been essential in organizing and defining spaces, routes, and journeys.
Word Frequency Rank
Ranked #11,528, this word falls into high-advanced vocabulary. It appears less frequently but is valuable for expressing precise meanings in specific contexts.
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