In a way that relates to or constitutes an end or final stage, especially regarding fatal illness. Extremely or hopelessly.
From Latin 'terminalis' meaning 'of or pertaining to boundaries or limits', from 'terminus' meaning 'boundary stone' or 'end'. The medical sense developed in the 20th century as healthcare became more precise about prognosis.
The word 'terminal' originally referred to boundary stones that marked property lines in ancient Rome - these physical markers of endings evolved into our modern concept of final endpoints. Airport terminals got their name from being the end point of journeys, not from any morbid association.
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