Phrase guide

terminus post quem

noun · 1 senses · updated from the 2026-07-25 local source snapshot

Definitions and examples are grouped by meaning. Pronunciation, history, word forms, translations, descendants, synonyms, antonyms, derived terms, and related words appear whenever the source provides them.

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1

noun

Meaning 1

The earliest possible date for an event.

Definition source: English Wiktionary via Wiktextract

Usage: uncountable

Examples

  • The latest date on a coin in a hoard of objects is the earliest possible date of its deposit: the terminus post quem of its deposit.

Meaning relationships

Synonyms: terminus a quo

Antonyms: terminus ante quem

Broader terms: terminus

History

Etymology

From Latin terminus post quem non licet (“the point after which is not allowed”).