Definition

Describing something that is located close to the end of a structure or area, but not exactly at the end.

Example

The subterminal point of the railway line is just a few meters from the final station.

Conversation

Have you seen the new maps for our hiking trip?

Yeah, I noticed that some trails are marked as subterminal.

What does that even mean in terms of the hike?

It means they're near the end but not exactly at the finish.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Subterminal → It is formed from "sub-" (meaning under or below) and "terminal" (from Latin "terminus", meaning boundary or end). The word "subterminal" refers to something that is located below a boundary or end point.

Memory Tip

Think of something that is 'under' ('sub-') a 'boundary' or 'end' ('terminal') — that's why subterminal means below a terminal point.

Visually Confused Words