Definition of flatline
intransitive verb
1a : to register on an electronic monitor as having no brain waves or heartbeatb : die
2a : to be in a state of no progress or advancementb : to come to an end
flatliner
nounFrom the M-W Editors
Examples of flatline in a Sentence
the patient was fading fast, and doctors expected him to flatline before the night was over
First Known Use of flatline
1980
Medical Dictionary
flatline
playMedical Definition of flatline
flatlined
;flatlining
1: to register on an electronic monitor as having no heartbeart or brain waves : to experience cessation of heart contractions or brain wave activity as indicated by a flat line on a electrocardiogram or electroencephalogram I flatlined on the operating table, but Dr. Bunsom managed to revive me.—Alison Wright, Yoga Journal, May/June 2005 He used to be ill quite a bit as a younger child, and his heart flatlined four times before he was 6.—Ginnie Graham, Tulsa World, 19 Dec. 2007
2: die[1] But just because death is expected doesn't mean it's any less depressing when the patient finally flatlines.—Phil Taylor, Sports Illustrated, 26 Jan. 2009
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