term-, termin-

1. An expression of an individual word or phrase that is used to identify the name of an object or an individual: Another term for light rain is drizzle.
2. A specific length of time for something to transpire or to stop: The spring term at Brian's school is just 10 weeks long.
3. Written clauses or statements in a legal document that specify specific expectations: The terms of the mortgage were explained by Mr. Morgan, the bank manager, to the client, Mrs. Johnson.

Pertaining to an undertaking that can be stopped or ended: Roy had a terminable contract which allowed his employer to cancel the project whenever he wanted to.

Specifically referring to how the completion of an enterprise is set at a certain time; a finalization of expectations of a document or an agreement: The contract with Jack, the carpenter, stated that the work on the house must be terminably concluded by the designated date.

Referring to the end of something; the finality or conclusion of something: The terminal paragraphs of the short story explained the mystery of the relationship between the two central characters.

Dr. Dickson informed Dina that the illness which she was experiencing was not a terminal illness and that she would recover.

1. A central location in the transportation industry from which buses, trains, etc. depart or to which they return: Gladys went to the bus terminal to wait for her sister who was coming for a visit.
2. The point in an electrical system where the the current enters or leaves: The electrician installed a new terminal so the lights in the house would function better.

A Roman festival to remember Terminus who was the god who presided over boundaries.

The statue of Terminus was a stone or post which was stuck in the ground to indicate the various boundaries of the properties of those who had control over certain geographical areas; so, the Terminalia was an annual festival that was held on February 23 to honor this god.

Being, or seeming to be, at the end; a finality: Hans was terminally ill and he was anxious to reconnect with his brother and sister who lived far away.

To conclude, to finalize, to discontinue: The mediator wanted to terminate the debate between the two political candidates because it was getting noisy and out of control. © ALL rights are reserved.

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The final outcome, the end of an activity, or the result of a process or action: "The termination of the union negotiations was satisfactory to all parties involved."

A person who brings about the end of a situation or who tries to eliminate it completely: Larry, the leader of the armed bandits, was identified as the terminator, a ruthless and dangerous man.

A vocabulary or language which is particular to a specific occupation or work: Political terminology is littered with expressions; such as, "transparency", "complete disclosure", "I assure you", etc.

This is a lexicon that deals with a multitude of terminologies.

© ALL rights are reserved.
© ALL rights are reserved.

Go to this Word A Day Revisited Index
so you can see more of Mickey Bach's cartoons.

The Roman god of boundaries.

Henry Thoreau in his Walden wrote about an old fence: "I sacrificed it to Vulcan, for it was past serving the god Terminus."

Waldon is the title of a book written in 1854 by Henry David Thoreau describing his two years of life alone at Walden Pond in Massachusetts.

He recounts his daily life in the woods and celebrates nature and the individual's ability to live independently of society. A famous line from the book is Thoreau's statement that "The mass of men lead lives of quiet desperation."

A few of Thoreau's views about purpose of governments

I heartily accept the motto, "That government is best which governs least"; and I should like to see it acted up to more rapidly and systematically. Carried out, it finally amounts to this, which also I believe, "That government is best which governs not at all"; and when men are prepared for it, that will be the kind of government which they will have.

Government is at best but an expedient; but most governments are usually, and all governments are sometimes, inexpedient.

The government itself, which is only the mode which the people have chosen to execute their will, is equally liable to be abused and perverted before the people can act through it.

There will never be a really free and enlightened State until the State comes to recognize the individual as a higher and independent power, from which all its own power and authority are derived, and treats him accordingly.

The end or location of the final destination of a journey: The passenger vehicle pulled into the bus terminus several hours late because of severe weather conditions on the road.

Descriptive of some matter that is inconclusive, undecided, or not resolved: The senators continued to maintain their undetermined position about the legislation that was being presented for their consideration.