Terminal

A terminal is a point of termination, the end of something. This can apply to a physical structure like an airport or bus terminal, a disease's final stage, a device allowing computer interaction, or a railway's end station. It also describes something that is ultimately fatal. The word often signifies a boundary, a concluding point, or the last stage. The context determines the specific meaning, but the underlying concept is always about reaching an end or final state.

Terminal meaning with examples

• The airport's international terminal bustled with travelers. Flights arrived and departed constantly, creating a vibrant and chaotic atmosphere. People rushed to check-in counters, luggage wheeled across the floors, and announcements echoed. The terminal served as the final point for those arriving and the starting point for those leaving, a hub of journeys.
• His doctor delivered the grim news; the disease had reached a terminal stage. Despite best efforts, the illness was advancing rapidly, leaving little hope. The family gathered, grappling with their grief. The diagnosis marked the end of treatment's efficacy. The illness became a life limiting challenge.
• The computer's terminal allowed the programmer to send commands. Typing into the terminal offered direct control over the system. This allowed for real time interactions between human and machine. The software then processed these instructions. This interface was critical for both application development and system monitoring.
• The train reached the terminal, the last stop on the line. Passengers disembarked, ready to start their new journeys. The station became the final destination for those wanting to arrive. The journey ended but the final train station offers a new start for arrivals.