Terminator - Definition and Overview

The word terminator is from Latin and means roughly the finisher.

• In astronomy, the terminator is the line between the day side and the night side of a planetary body (also known as the "grey line"). See terminator (solar).
• In genetics, a terminator marks the end of a gene on the DNA for transcription.
• The Terminator is an American motion picture involving a cyborg that has been sent back through time to "terminate" or kill a woman whose life will have importance in the future.
• In electronics, a resistor at the end of a transmission line or daisy chain bus (such as in SCSI), designed to match impedance and hence minimize reflections of the signal. There are also active terminators which contain a circuit to perform the same basic function.
• A terminator gene is used in some genetically engineered crops to prevent collection and resowing of seed.
• In the Warhammer 40,000 universe, Terminator or Tactical Dreadnaught power armor enables the wearer to take massive damage and fire large weapons while moving.
• "Terminator" is also the code name (NOT the NATO reporting name) for the russian fighter Sukhoi Su-37.

See also: Terminus