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life-support system
noun
: an artificial or natural system that provides all or some of the items (such as oxygen, food, water, control of temperature and pressure, disposition of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health
Examples of life-support system in a Sentence
Recent Examples on the Web
The challenge Orbital Reef faces is considerable: reimagining successful earthbound technologies—such as regenerative life-support systems, expandable habitats and 3D printing—but now in orbit, on a commercially viable platform.
—IEEE Spectrum, 10 May 2024
The 10-day mission, which retraces the 2022 flight of the uncrewed Artemis 1, will test life-support systems.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2023
Japan's government has committed to providing the life-support system for the Gateway's international habitation module, along with resupply services to deliver cargo to Gateway.
—Stephen Clark, Ars Technica, 21 Dec. 2023
It is slated to launch in 2029 with Artemis V.
Dettmann described several major challenges in developing the ESPRIT, including devising a way to refuel the electric propulsion systems, designing deployable radiators, and devising environmental-control and life-support systems.
—IEEE Spectrum, 23 Dec. 2023
But now actor Mark Ruffalo is on a mission to preserve the church and save its place as a life-support system for the community.
—Jada Clarke, ABC News, 2 Oct. 2023
Above the hatch is a backpack with life-support systems.
—Richard Tribou, Orlando Sentinel, 15 Mar. 2023
The crew needs to make sure all life-support systems are running smoothly and interactions with onboard automation systems are going well.
—Manasee Wagh, Popular Mechanics, 13 Mar. 2023
During the years the report analyzed, hemodialysis patients were 100 times more likely to get S. aureus bloodstream infections than adults not on dialysis, highlighting the potential dangers of what is, for many, a life-support system once their kidneys lose function.
—Isabella Cueto, STAT, 6 Feb. 2023
These examples are programmatically compiled from various online sources to illustrate current usage of the word 'life-support system.' Any opinions expressed in the examples do not represent those of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback about these examples.
Word History
First Known Use
1959, in the meaning defined above
Time Traveler
The first known use of life-support system was
in 1959
Dictionary Entries Near life-support system
Cite this Entry
“Life-support system.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life-support%20system. Accessed 10 Jun. 2024.
Kids Definition
life-support system
noun
: a system that provides all or some of the items (as oxygen, food, water, proper temperature and air pressure, elimination of carbon dioxide and body wastes) necessary for maintaining life or health
Medical Definition
life-support system
noun
: 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
More from Merriam-Webster on life-support system
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about life-support system
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