a. [ F., fr. L. finalis, fr. finis boundary, limit, end. See Finish. ] 1. Pertaining to the end or conclusion; last; terminating; ultimate; as, the final day of a school term. [ 1913 Webster ]

Yet despair not of his final pardon. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Conclusive; decisive; as, a final judgment; the battle of Waterloo brought the contest to a final issue. [ 1913 Webster ]

3. Respecting an end or object to be gained; respecting the purpose or ultimate end in view. [ 1913 Webster ]

Final cause. See under Cause.

Syn. -- Final, Conclusive, Ultimate. Final is now appropriated to that which brings with it an end; as, a final adjustment; the final judgment, etc. Conclusive implies the closing of all discussion, negotiation, etc.; as, a conclusive argument or fact; a conclusive arrangement. In using ultimate, we have always reference to something earlier or proceeding; as when we say, a temporary reverse may lead to an ultimate triumph. The statements which a man finally makes at the close of a negotiation are usually conclusive as to his ultimate intentions and designs. [ 1913 Webster ]

‖n. [ It. See Final. ] Close; termination; as: (a) (Mus.) The last movement of a symphony, sonata, concerto, or any instrumental composition. (b) The last composition performed in any act of an opera. (c) The closing part, piece, or scene in any public performance or exhibition. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. same as finalization.
Syn. -- finalization. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

n. (Sports) Any of the players who meet in the final round of a tournament in which the losers in any round do not play again. [ Webster 1913 Suppl. ]

n.; pl. Finalities [ L. finalitas the being last. ] 1. The state of being final, finished, or complete; a final or conclusive arrangement; a settlement. Baxter. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. The relation of end or purpose to its means. Janet. [ 1913 Webster ]

n. the act of finalizing.
Syn. -- finalisation. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

v. t. [ imp. & p. p. finalized p. pr. & vb. n. finalizing. ] to put the last touches on; put into final form.
Syn. -- make final, settle, nail down. [ WordNet 1.5 ]

adv. 1. At the end or conclusion; ultimately; lastly; as, the contest was long, but the Romans finally conquered. [ 1913 Webster ]

Whom patience finally must crown. Milton. [ 1913 Webster ]

2. Completely; beyond recovery. [ 1913 Webster ]

Not any house of noble English in Ireland was utterly destroyed or finally rooted out. Sir J. Davies. [ 1913 Webster ]