Crossword Dictionary

What's The Definition Of Terminal?

\Ter"mi*nal\, a. (Railroads) Pertaining to a railroad terminal; connected with the receipt or delivery of freight; as, terminal charges.
\Ter"mi*nal\, n. (Railroads) (a) The end of a line of railroad, with the switches, stations, sheds, and other appliances pertaining thereto. (b) Any station for the delivery or receipt of freight lying too far from the main line to be served by mere sidings. (c) A rate charged on all freight, independent of the distance, and supposed to cover the expenses of station service, as distinct from {mileage rate}, generally proportionate to the distance and intended to cover movement expenses; a terminal charge. (d) A town lying at the end of a railroad; -- more properly called a {terminus}.
\Ter"mi*nal\ (-nal), a. [L. terminals: cf. F. terminal. See {Term}, n.] 1. Of or pertaining to the end or extremity; forming the extremity; as, a terminal edge. 2. (Bot.) Growing at the end of a branch or stem; terminating; as, a terminal bud, flower, or spike. {Terminal moraine}. See the Note under {Moraine}. {Terminal statue}. See {Terminus}, n., 2 and 3. {Terminal velocity}. (a) The velocity acquired at the end of a body's motion. (b) The limit toward which the velocity of a body approaches, as of a body falling through the air.
\Ter"mi*nal\, n. 1. That which terminates or ends; termination; extremity. 2. (Eccl.) Either of the ends of the conducting circuit of an electrical apparatus, as an inductorium, dynamo, or electric motor, usually provided with binding screws for the attachment of wires by which a current may be conveyed into or from the machine; a pole.