FLATLINERS Meaning and
Definition
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Flatliners refers to a term with multiple definitions depending on the context.
In the medical field, Flatliners is a slang term used to describe a situation where a patient's heartbeat or brain activity completely ceases, resulting in a flat line on the electrocardiogram (ECG) monitors. Medically known as cardiac arrest or clinical death, this condition is life-threatening and requires immediate intervention to restore organ function and bring the patient back to life.
Outside the medical realm, Flatliners can also refer to a 1990 psychological horror film directed by Joel Schumacher. The movie revolves around a group of medical students who conduct dangerous and unethical experiments to experience near-death and the afterlife. These experiments involve intentionally stopping their own hearts, inducing temporary flatlines, before being revived. The film explores the profound psychological and supernatural consequences these characters face as they deal with their past traumas and personal demons.
Additionally, Flatliners is the title of a 2017 science fiction psychological horror film that serves as a remake and sequel to the original 1990 film. This newer version features a new group of medical students who replicate the same experiments, attempting to explore the mysteries of life and death. However, they soon realize that the consequences of meddling with mortality are far more severe than they anticipated.
In summary, "flatliners" can denote both a medical condition of complete cardiac arrest and cessation of brain activity, as well as the titles of two movies that explore the psychological and supernatural consequences of deliberately inducing temporary death experiences.
Etymology of FLATLINERS
The word "flatliners" is a colloquial term that originated in the late 20th century. It is derived from the English words "flat" and "lines", combining them to create a compound noun.
The term "flat" generally refers to a surface that is smooth and without bumps or curves. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that lacks activity, excitement, or variation. In the context of "flatliners", it is likely used in the metaphorical sense, suggesting a lack of vital signs or the absence of a pulse.
The word "lines" could refer to the lines shown on medical devices monitoring the heartbeat or the electrocardiogram (ECG) readings. These lines are typically not moving when a person's heart has stopped beating, indicating a medical condition known as cardiac arrest.
