terminus a quo

American  

[ter-mi-noos ah kwoh, tur-muh-nuhs ey kwoh] / ˈtɛr mɪˌnʊs ɑ ˈkwoʊ, ˈtɜr mə nəs eɪ ˈkwoʊ /

noun

Latin.

1. the end from which; beginning; starting point; earliest limiting point.

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terminus a quo British  

/ ˈtɜːmɪˌnʊs ɑː ˈkwəʊ /

noun

1. the starting point; beginning

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Etymology

Origin of terminus a quo

literally: the end from which

Example Sentences

When he arrived at Le Mans in 1101, his terminus a quo was probably Lausanne.

From Project Gutenberg

Sensations are the stable rock, the terminus a quo and the terminus ad quem of thought.

From Project Gutenberg

In creation there is no real and positive terminus a quo; in annihilation there is no real and positive terminus ad quem; these therefore are not changes in the proper sense of the term.

From Project Gutenberg

Every tendency or movement presupposes a terminus a quo, from which it starts, and a terminus ad quem, to which it tends.

From Project Gutenberg

Another explanation, which we believe is supported by Mr. Eustace Miles, scouts the notion of an ancient origin of the phrase and fixes the terminus a quo by the recent introduction of vegetarian diet.

From Project Gutenberg