terminus ante quem
The term "terminus ante quem" is a Latin phrase used to establish the latest possible date by which an event or artifact must have occurred or existed.
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Definition
C1General
(academic, technical)The latest possible date by which an event or process must have occurred.
Example
- The discovery of a coin minted in 1200 provides a terminus ante quem for the burial site.
C1Archaeology
(technical, academic)The latest possible date by which an artifact must have been deposited.
Example
- The pottery shard found in the layer offers a terminus ante quem for the construction of the wall.
C1History
(technical, academic)The latest possible date by which a historical event must have taken place.
Example
- The letter dated 1450 serves as a terminus ante quem for the reign of the king.
Similar
Terms that have similar or relatively close meanings to "terminus ante quem":