life-support system
nounUK /ˈlaɪf səˈpɔːt ˌsɪstəm/
US /ˈlaɪf səˈpɔːrt ˌsɪstəm/
A life-support system is the set of machines and supplies that keep a person or animal alive when their body cannot do it alone.
The astronaut's spacesuit has a life-support system that gives her air to breathe.
OTHER MEANINGS
2. The equipment on a spacecraft or submarine that keeps the air, water, and temperature safe for the people inside.
The submarine's life-support system cleaned the air so the crew could breathe.
3. The machines in a hospital that keep a very sick patient alive.
After the accident, he was placed on a life-support system in the hospital.
4. Anything that keeps something going or working, like support for a business or project.
Tourism is the life-support system of this small beach town.