dying

Dying is defined as waning or about to disappear, or just about to pass away.

Facts About Dying

  • When someone is near death their mind and physical body begins to start shutting down each system. The changes in each bodily system are very gradual and can build up over time.
  • The person may not wake easily.
  • The body begins to process food at a slower rate, so constipation is a very common side effect of the process – as is losing control of bowel movements and urination.
  • The body begins to slow down the circulation of blood throughout the body, which means that the hands and feet of the person get very cold and numb.
  • The breathing cycle might also change, with longer periods of time between breathes and more shallow breathing.
  • The person might become disoriented really easily, losing their way, becoming dizzy, and getting confused.
  • A person may become moody or withdrawn.
  • Hearing is one of the last senses to be lost and may be present until the end of the person’s life.
(verb)

  1. When you have one day left to live and you are on your death bed, this is an example of a time when you are dying.
  2. When the light is fading away slowly at the end of the day, this is an example of dying light.

YourDictionary definition and usage example. Copyright © 2013 by LoveToKnow Corp.

See dying in Webster's New World College Dictionary

intransitive verb

adjective

  1. coming near to an end: a dying culture
  2. of or at the time of death: his dying words

noun

a ceasing to live or exist; death

See dying in American Heritage Dictionary 4

verb
Present participle of die1.
adjective
  1. About to die: dying patients.
  2. Drawing to an end; declining: in the dying hours of the legislative session.
  3. Done or uttered just before death: a dying request.

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