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Glite Dictionary
terminus a quo

terminus a quo

9.9
The first time from which something starts
  • noun
  • /ˈtɜːrmɪnəs ə kwō/
  • Formal
translation icon : terminus a quo
  • If it is done deliberately after the deaths of the three people mentioned, then you are right, Andrew, that would push the terminus a quo to 2008.

Examples

  • The poem thus had its terminus a quo and Thorkelin's opinion about the date, its terminus.

    Academic text (1996)

  • The project's terminus a quo is set at 2000, marking the beginning of our analysis.

  • In legal documents, the terminus a quo is crucial for determining the start date of obligations.

  • The historian identified the terminus a quo of the movement as 1985, which changed the course of events.

Synonyms

starting point
vsterminus a quo
69 3.0

A place, time, or situation that people use as a basis for later action

is the technical earliest limiting boundary used in legal or philosophical contexts

Surface Forms

terminus a quo singular
terminus a quos plural

Morphology

terminus + a + quo

This is a Latin legal/philosophical term whose interpretation depends on Latin grammar and specialized usage rather than ordinary English composition. A B1 learner who knows the literal senses (or only English words) would likely be misled by 'terminus' (suggesting an end) and would not know 'a quo', so the meaning 'starting point' is not derivable from the constituents.

Etymology

Terminus a quo comes from Latin words for a boundary marker, with terminus meaning 'boundary' or 'limit' and a quo meaning 'from which'. So imagine a stone that marks where you begin to count — that's why terminus a quo means the 'starting point' today.