flatline

== English == === Etymology === From flat +‎ line. Refers to a continuous straight line (asystole) on an ECG (EKG) or EEG, indicating death. === Pronunciation === IPA(key): /ˈflætˌlaɪn/ === Noun === flatline (plural flatlines) (medicine, cardiology) An asystole; the absence of heart contractions or brain waves. The disappearance of the rhythmic peaks displayed on a heart monitor. The disappearance of brain waves on an electroencephalogram. (also figurative) An unchanging state, as indicated in a graph of a variable over time. (fishing) A line that is run low to the water from the rod tip, generally off a release clip of some type. ==== Alternative forms ==== flat line === Verb === flatline (third-person singular simple present flatlines, present participle flatlining, simple past and past participle flatlined) (intransitive, medicine, cardiology, of the heart) To stop beating. (intransitive, medicine, cardiology, by extension) To die. (transitive, slang) To kill. (informal, transitive) To remain at the same level, without development; or, to fall. (of a graph) To experience significantly decreased rates of change compared to previous rates of change. (fishing, intransitive) To fish using a flatline. ==== Derived terms ==== flatlined (adjectival form) flatliner