terminally

[ tur-muh-nl-ee ]

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.

Other Word Forms

• non·ter·min·al·ly adverb
• sub·ter·mi·nal·ly adverb

Word History and Origins

Origin of terminally¹

terminal ( def ) + -ly

Example Sentences

In a quiet residential neighbourhood in Washington state, where assisted dying is legal in certain circumstances, a house offers the terminally ill a place to spend their final hours, surrounded by care and community.

From BBC

A woman described as a "devoted daughter" has received a suspended prison sentence after she admitted the manslaughter of her terminally ill father.

From BBC

If agreed by MPs, Leadbeater's legislation would make it legal for over-18s who are terminally ill to be given assistance to end their own life.

From BBC

Ms Hanna sought their sympathy by saying she was terminally ill and vouched to reimburse them through inheritance, claiming that she is part of the Brunei royal family.

From BBC

In her memory, he and his wife have launched a foundation to help families of terminally ill children - especially those who can't afford to stop working during their child's final months.

From BBC