Astronomy. the dividing line between the illuminated and the unilluminated part of a satellite or planet, especially the moon.
Origin
1760-70; < Late Latinterminātor, equivalent to terminā(re) to terminate + -tor-tor
Examples from the web for terminator
Even my boyfriend's dad wants one for his, he works and he is an ex-terminator and he wants to use it to check for bedbugs.
At the poles, a line drawn across the moon that connects the terminator ends runs perpendicular to the horizon.
British Dictionary definitions for terminator
terminator
/ˈtɜːmɪˌneɪtə/
noun
1.
the line dividing the illuminated and dark part of the moon or a planet
Word Origin and History for terminator
n.
1770, "line of separation between the bright and dark parts of a moon or planet," from Latin terminator, from terminare (see terminus). Meaning "one who terminates (something)" is attested from 1846.
terminator in Technology
electronics A resistor connected to a signal wire in a bus or network for the purpose of impedance matching to prevent reflections. For example, a 50 ohm resistor connected across the end of an Ethernet cable. SCSI chains and some LocalTalk wiring schemes also require terminators. (1995-05-17)