Flatline

//ˈflætˌlaɪn// noun, verb, slang

Definitions

Noun
  1. 1
    An asystole; the absence of heart contractions or brain waves.; The disappearance of the rhythmic peaks displayed on a heart monitor.
  2. 2
    An asystole; the absence of heart contractions or brain waves.; The disappearance of brain waves on an electroencephalogram.

    "When brain function ceases, the electroencephalogram shows flatline recordings."

  3. 3
    An unchanging state, as indicated in a graph of a variable over time. also, figuratively

    "Thus, you hear words like "flatline recession," "improvement at a greatly reduced rate," "economic hiccup," "recessionette," "rolling readjustment" and "the economy is double clutching.""

  4. 4
    A line that is run low to the water from the rod tip, generally off a release clip of some type.
Verb
  1. 1
    To stop beating. intransitive
  2. 2
    To die. broadly, intransitive
  3. 3
    To kill. slang, transitive

    "If looks could kill, Mona's sharp gaze would have flatlined him in one second."

  4. 4
    To remain at the same level, without development; or, to fall. informal, transitive

    "The economy in Northern Ireland is flatlining and jobs are scarce."

  5. 5
    To experience significantly decreased rates of change compared to previous rates of change.

    "Upon upload, the video got 1,000 views/day for the first week, then flatlined and started getting fewer than ten views/day."

Show 1 more definition
  1. 6
    To fish using a flatline. intransitive

Etymology

Etymology 1

From flat + line. Refers to a continuous straight line (asystole) on an ECG (EKG) or EEG, indicating death.

Etymology 2

From flat + line. Refers to a continuous straight line (asystole) on an ECG (EKG) or EEG, indicating death.

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