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Terminus: meaning, definitions and examples

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terminus

 

[ˈtɜːrmɪnəs ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
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.

  • The bus will reach its terminus in 15 minutes.
  • The development of the new railway terminus is underway.
end point

This is often used in more technical or scientific contexts to indicate the final stage or location of a process or journey.

  • The end point of the experiment must be carefully recorded.
  • We should reach the end point of our hike by noon.
final stop

Typically used in casual conversation to refer to the last stop on a public transportation route.

  • The final stop on this train is Central Station.
  • Please make sure you have all your belongings before reaching the final stop.
destination

Commonly used in everyday speech and writing to refer to the place where someone or something is going.

  • Our final destination is Paris.
  • What is your travel destination?

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.
Context #2 | Noun

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?

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Word Description / Examples
terminus

Appropriate for discussing the final point or conclusion of something, often in a formal or technical setting.

  • The train will arrive at its terminus in forty minutes.
  • This street marks the eastern terminus of the road.

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.

Interesting Facts

Etymology

  • 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.

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.

Translations

Translations of the word "terminus" in other languages:

🇵🇹 término

🇮🇳 अंत

🇩🇪 Ende

🇮🇩 akhir

🇺🇦 завершення

🇵🇱 koniec

🇯🇵 終点

🇫🇷 terminus

🇪🇸 término

🇹🇷 son

🇰🇷 종점

🇸🇦 نهاية

🇨🇿 konec

🇸🇰 koniec

🇨🇳 终点

🇸🇮 konec

🇮🇸 endir

🇰🇿 соңғы нүкте

🇬🇪 დასასრული

🇦🇿 son

🇲🇽 término

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.