life-support

[ lahyf-suh-pawrt, -pohrt ]

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

adjective

of or relating to equipment or measures that sustain or artificially substitute for essential body functions, as breathing or disposal of body wastes:
Without life-support equipment, the patient might die.
of or relating to equipment or measures that provide, within a surrounding hostile environment, as outer space or ocean depths, a life-sustaining environment similar to that found on the earth's surface:
the life-support system of a spacecraft or submarine.
of or relating to anything that fosters or sustains life, success, or continued existence, as of a person, thing, or nation:
the life-support system of the economy.

life-support

of or providing the equipment required to sustain human life in an unnatural environment, such as in space, or in severe illness or disability

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First recorded in 1955–60

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A decade was devoted to life support on the International Space Station, where it has been much appreciated.

Defending the death of the English department is to defend pulling the plug on the life support unit of an already struggling art.

Analysts weighed in, calling the campaign a last ditch effort to save a restaurant on life support.

He was on life support after emergency surgery, but doctors remained hopeful he would survive.

On the 777 the electrical power for all of its mechanical and life support systems is drawn from its two Rolls Royce engines.

He stole my land, driving me back to the forest, which is worthless to him; he killed the buffalo, and took away our life support.

You shall come as a suppliant to me, seeking vengeance on the head of him you now proudly call your life support.'

The savings of early and middle life support old age in honorable rest, and give to children a fair start in life.

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