What does flatlined mean?
The verb flatlined refers to a situation where a patient's vital signs have stopped changing, often due to death or a severe medical condition. This can occur on a medical monitor, where a flat line indicates a lack of activity or change in the patient's condition. In medical contexts, flatlined is often used to describe a patient's condition, while in other contexts, it can be used to describe a sudden and severe decline or collapse. The word can be used in a variety of contexts, including medical, financial, and social situations. It is often used to convey a sense of sudden and severe change or decline. The word has been in use since the mid-20th century and has become a common term in medical and popular culture.
verbTo have a flat line on a medical monitor, typically indicating that a patient's vital signs have stopped changing, often due to death or a severe medical condition.
- To have a flat line on a medical monitor, typically indicating that a patient's vital signs have stopped changing, often due to death or a severe medical condition.
"The patient's heart rate flatlined, and the doctors quickly administered CPR."
"The patient's heart rate flatlined, and the doctors quickly administered CPR."
"The stock market flatlined after the economic downturn."
Reviewed by Deb Chak, Editor. AI-assisted content curated by RJS Tech Solutions LLP.
Etymology of flatlined
The word flatlined is derived from the verb flatten, meaning to make something flat or level. The suffix -lined is added to indicate a line or a flat surface. The word is thought to have originated in the mid-20th century, when medical monitors began to be used to track patients' vital signs. The word has since become a common term in medical and popular culture.
How flatlined is actually used
In medical contexts, flatlined is often used to describe a patient's condition, while in other contexts, it can be used to describe a sudden and severe decline or collapse.