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

Her post on Facebook read: "My wish is for my boys to make as many memories as they can together as time is precious as their middle brother is terminally ill."

From BBC

With only two more sessions scheduled before the end of the year, Childline founder Dame Esther Rantzen, who is terminally ill with cancer, last week warned peers not to "sabotage democracy".

From BBC

Those countries legalized euthanasia for patients terminally ill with, say, cancer, at the turn of the 21st century—then expanded it to include those who say their psychiatric conditions are incurable and unbearable.

From The Wall Street Journal

Several European countries, including Austria, Belgium, the Netherlands and Switzerland allow terminally ill people to receive medical help to end their lives.

From Barron's

The legislation proposes allowing terminally ill adults with fewer than six months to live to apply for an assisted death.

From BBC