Bus terminus?

Question

Hi,If terminus starts and ends at different locations, do you call them "starting terminus" and "finishing terminus" respectively?Today I saw a timetable on a bus which saysFirst bus of origin: 5:00 a.m. First bus of terminus: 5:30 a.m.It is translated from my mother tongue into English. I wonder if it is right.Thanks very much

JohnParis · Accepted Answer

"Starting terminus" is an oxymoron.
The first bus leaves from the starting point at 05h00 and arrives at its terminus at 05h30.

Stephenlearner · Answer

Thanks.

But according to wikipedia, a terminus seems to refer to both the starting point and the ending point.

This introduction is from wikipedia:

A bus terminus is a designated place where a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus or http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Coach_(vehicle) starts or ends its scheduled route. The terminus is the designated place that a http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Public_transport_timetable is timed from. Termini can be located at http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_station, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Transportation_hub, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_garage or simple http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_stop. Termini can both start and stop at the same place, or may be in different locations for starting and finishing a route. Termini may or may not coincide with the use of http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bus_stand.

JohnParis · Answer

Well, Stephen, I'd choose the information found in the Oxford Unabridged Dictionary of the English Language over Wikipedia any day.
http://oxforddictionaries.com/definition/terminus?q=terminus

This does not mean that the word is not being misused on a large scale. It is, and this puts it in play for eventual change and adoption. English lives, and this is a good example of how it changes. Until I see the definition of "terminus" in the Oxford meaning "a place where something starts," I can't use the word in that manner. Moreover, if it were a question on an exam it would probably be marked incorrect. Look closely at the origin of the word from the link above, and thanks for bringing a good point to the discussion. Your input helps us all learn and reflect.
Best regards,
John

Stephenlearner · Answer

Thanks, John. Thank you for your help.

Bus terminus?

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