What does “terminal” mean in medicineMedicine is the field of science and practice that deals with the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and cure of disease. Think of it like this: • Your body is a complex machine. • Medicine is like a toolbox, and knowledge is… Read More?

In medicine, “terminal” describes an illness that doctors believe will eventually lead to a person’s death. There is currently no cure or treatment available that can stop the illness from progressing.

Here’s an analogyWhat is an analogy? An analogy is a fancy way of explaining something confusing by comparing it to something you already know! It’s like a little bridge between two ideas. Imagine you’re trying to explain what a bicycle is to… Read More:

Imagine you’re lost in a maze. A “terminal” illness is like being in a dead end of the maze. There’s no known way out, but doctors can still help make the journey through the maze more comfortable.

EtymologyEtymology is the study of the origin and history of words. It’s like detective work, tracing how words have changed over time and moved between languages. Think of it like this: • Words have a long history, just like old… Read More (Word OriginsWhat is an origin? An origin is the starting point, the place or source where something begins. It’s like the very first chapter in the story of that thing. Examples: • The origin of a river: Where the river first… Read More)

“Terminal” comes from the Latin word “terminus” which means “end” or “boundary.”
So, medically, “terminal” refers to an illness that marks the end of a person’s life.