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
Word Origin and History for terminators
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.