terminál

Terminál is a term used in several languages to denote a point of arrival or departure, or a device that provides access to a larger system. The word generally derives from the Latin terminus, meaning boundary or end. In каждый domain it marks an endpoint or access point, though its specific sense varies.

In transportation contexts, a terminal is a facility where passengers transfer between modes or vehicles, or where goods are loaded or unloaded. In airports, the terminal houses check-in counters, security screening, gates, lounges, baggage handling, and arrivals/departures information. In seaports, a terminal (cruise terminal, container terminal) is where ships dock and cargo is transferred. A bus terminal is a central area where routes originate and terminate; layouts vary, with concourses, platforms, ticketing, and waiting areas. The term distinguishes from stations or hubs, though the terms are sometimes used interchangeably.

In computing, a terminal originally referred to a device that enables a user to interact with a computer system, usually a teletype or video display with a keyboard, connected over a network. Dumb terminals delegated processing to a central computer; modern equivalents are terminal emulators—software programs that mimic the behavior of physical terminals within an operating system or on a remote host. Typical uses include command-line interfaces, remote logins (SSH), system monitoring, and scripting. Popular terminal emulators include xterm, GNOME Terminal, iTerm2, and Windows Terminal; they support various emulation standards (VT100, ANSI, xterm) and features like tabbing, color schemes, and profiles.

In both senses, a terminál denotes an endpoint: a point of access to a larger system or a point of transfer for people and goods. The form and function vary by domain, but the core idea is a controlled point of entry or exit.