(L. name Publius Terentius Afer) 195?-159? ; Rom. writer of comedies
See Terence in American Heritage Dictionary 4
(tĕrˈəns) Originally Publius Terentius Afer. 185?-159? B.C.
African-born Roman playwright. Taken to Rome as the young slave of a senator, he was educated and then freed by his master. His plays, including Phormio and Adelphi, are largely based on Greek comedies and feature fine dialogue and subtle humor.