terminus a quo \-ˌäˈkwō\noun Etymology: New Latin, literally, limit from which 1.: starting point of line of action or of a journey : point of origin 2.alsoterminus post quem\-ˌpōst-\[terminus post quem from New Latin, literally, limit after which]: a time or date established or chosen as the beginning of a time period : the earlier of two limiting points in time