life-support system

life–support system

noun

Definition of LIFE-SUPPORT SYSTEM

: a system that provides all or some of the items (as oxygen, food, water, and disposition of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health: as a : one used to maintain the health of a person or animal in outer space, underwater, or in a mine b : one used to maintain the life of an injured or ill person unable to maintain certain physiological processes without artificial support