living will
noun
a document instructing physicians, relatives, or others to refrain from the use of extraordinary measures, as life-support equipment, to prolong one's life in the event of a terminal illness.
Nearby words
Origin of living will
First recorded in 1970–75
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Based on the Random House Unabridged Dictionary, © Random House, Inc. 2019
British Dictionary definitions for living will
living will
noun
a document stating that if its author becomes terminally ill, his or her life should not be prolonged by artificial means, such as a life-support machine
Collins English Dictionary - Complete & Unabridged 2012 Digital Edition
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Medicine definitions for living will
living will
[ lĭv′ĭng ]
n.
A will in which the signer requests not to be kept alive by medical life-support systems in the event of a terminal illness.
The American Heritage® Stedman's Medical Dictionary
Copyright © 2002, 2001, 1995 by Houghton Mifflin Company. Published by Houghton Mifflin Company.