terminus a quo

noun

1
: a point of origin
2
: a first limiting point in time

Word History

Etymology

New Latin, literally, limit from which

First Known Use

1549, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Time Traveler
The first known use of terminus a quo was in 1549

Dictionary Entries Near terminus a quo

Cite this Entry

“Terminus a quo.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/terminus%20a%20quo. Accessed 26 Nov. 2024.

Love words? Need even more definitions?

Subscribe to America's largest dictionary and get thousands more definitions and advanced search—ad free!