terminus
    n 1: a place where something ends or is complete [syn: end
         point, endpoint, termination, terminus]
    2: the ultimate goal for which something is done [syn:
       destination, terminus]
    3: (architecture) a statue or a human bust or an animal carved
       out of the top of a square pillar; originally used as a
       boundary marker in ancient Rome [syn: terminus, terminal
       figure, term]
    4: either end of a railroad or bus route
    5: station where transport vehicles load or unload passengers or
       goods [syn: terminal, terminus, depot]

Terminal \Ter"mi*nal\, n.
   1. That which terminates or ends; termination; extremity.
      [1913 Webster]

   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.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. (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, in which the
          terminal is located; -- more properly called a
          terminus.
          [Webster 1913 Suppl.]

   4. The station at either end of a bus line line which
      transports freight or passengers.
      [PJC]

   5. A station where passenger buses start or end a trip; --
      also called bus terminal.
      [PJC]

   6. The structure at an airport where passengers board or
      debark, and where ticket purchases and baggage pickup is
      performed; -- also called airline terminal.
      [PJC]

   7. (Computers) An electronic device where data may be entered
      into a computer, and information received from it, usually
      consisting of a keyboard and video display unit (monitor);
      the terminal may be integrated or connected directly to a
      computer, or connected by a communications circuit with a
      computer at a remote location; -- also called computer
      terminal.
      [PJC]

   freight terminal, a terminal used for loading or unloading
      of freight.
      [PJC]

Terminus \Ter"mi*nus\, n.; pl. Termini. [L. See Term.]
   1. Literally, a boundary; a border; a limit.
      [1913 Webster]

   2. (Myth.) The Roman divinity who presided over boundaries,
      whose statue was properly a short pillar terminating in
      the bust of a man, woman, satyr, or the like, but often
      merely a post or stone stuck in the ground on a boundary
      line.
      [1913 Webster]

   3. Hence, any post or stone marking a boundary; a term. See
      Term, 8.
      [1913 Webster]

   4. Either end of a railroad line; also, the station house, or
      the town or city, at that place.
      [1913 Webster]