life-support device
nounUK /ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːt dɪˌvaɪs/
US /ˈlaɪf səˌpɔːrt dɪˌvaɪs/
A machine that helps a very sick person stay alive.
The patient was kept alive by a life-support device after the accident.
RELATED WORDS
OTHER MEANINGS
2. Any equipment or system that keeps something working or alive.
The spacecraft's life-support device kept the astronauts safe.
3. A backup system that keeps a service running if the main one fails.
The server room has a life-support device to keep data safe during power cuts.
4. A person or thing that provides essential help to keep an effort going.
Volunteers became a life-support device for the struggling community kitchen.