rhizoverbBeta
DictionaryterminalComputer command interface
noun

terminal

A text interface for entering computer commands and viewing output.

She types a command in the terminal to list her files.

Etymology
terminalLatinof a boundary or end

A terminal was an endpoint for communicating with a computer. Software preserves that interface role in a text-based command window.

More examples

  • Open a terminal and run the installation command.
  • The terminal displays an error when I enter the wrong password.
  • I keep two terminals open to work on separate tasks.

Forms

terminal · terminals

Similar words

console
Often an interface dedicated to system administration or monitoring.
shell
Specifically the program that interprets commands entered through a terminal.