terminally

American  

[tur-muh-nl-ee] / ˈtɜr mə nl i /

adverb

1. in a way that leads or is expected to lead shortly to death; fatally or lethally.

   We offer care and support for terminally ill people and their families through home nursing.

2. Informal. in a way that is beyond hope or rescue.

   I skipped her much-hyped interview with the terminally dull host of that new talk show.

3. at the end.

   In the remark “Pretty hot today, eh?” the terminally positioned tag “eh?” invites agreement.

4. Botany. at the end of a branch or stem.

   The plant has flower clusters 10–20 mm in diameter, which are located terminally.

5. Biology. at the conclusion of the process of modification from a stem cell.

   The cells terminally differentiate as they migrate from the basal layer of the epidermis to the surface.

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Other Word Forms

• nonterminally adverb
• subterminally adverb

Etymology

Origin of terminally

terminal ( def. ) + -ly

Example Sentences

This type of advance healthcare directive outlines the end-of-life decisions and medical treatments you want carried out if you become terminally ill or permanently unconscious with no hope of recovery.

From MarketWatch

The most controversial and potentially impactful proposal is a backbench bill to allow some terminally ill people to seek medical help to end their lives.

From BBC

In 2007, “The Bucket List,” a movie starring Jack Nicholson and Morgan Freeman about two terminally ill men and their quest to live life to its fullest during their final days, was released.

From MarketWatch

But the terminally dissatisfied Carol would rather stew in her own low-grade depression and angst that forfeit her free will.

From Los Angeles Times

The filmmaker returned to form, following several commercial flops, with 2007's The Bucket List, which starred Nicholson alongside Morgan Freeman as two terminally ill men who set about fulfilling their life ambitions before they die.

From BBC