1.
end; tip; extremity
The far end or outermost part of something that extends or branches out, such as the tips of nerves or the hands and feet.
2.
lowest level; bottom rung (of an organization)
Used figuratively for the bottom of a hierarchy: the people furthest from the top of an organization.
3.
end of a distribution chain; retail level
The last stage of distribution, where goods reach the final buyer, as in 末端価格 (retail price; for illegal drugs, street value) and 末端消費者 (end consumer). Mostly found in business and news language.
末端 is the far end of something that extends or branches outward: the tips of the body (sense 1), the bottom of a hierarchy (sense 2), or the last link in a chain of distribution (sense 3).
Common collocations
- 神経の末端: nerve endings (sense 1)
- 指の末端: fingertips (sense 1)
- 末端冷え性: cold hands and feet (sense 1)
- 組織の末端: the lowest level of an organization (sense 2)
- 末端の社員: rank-and-file employees (sense 2)
- 末端価格: retail price; street value (sense 3)
- 末端消費者: end consumer (sense 3)
Usage
In news reports, 末端価格 most often gives the street value of seized drugs: the price they would fetch when sold to users.
Related words
Related Words
Related:
先端 (tip; cutting edge)
Related:
端 (edge, end)
Compare:
下部 (lower part, bottom section)