suspended animation

2 definitions found

suspended animation - Collaborative International Dictionary of English v.0.48 :

  Animation \An`i*ma"tion\, n. [L. animatio, fr. animare.]
     1. The act of animating, or giving life or spirit; the state
        of being animate or alive.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              The animation of the same soul quickening the whole
              frame.                                --Bp. Hall.
        [1913 Webster]
  
              Perhaps an inanimate thing supplies me, while I am
              speaking, with whatever I possess of animation.
                                                    --Landor.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     2. The state of being lively, brisk, or full of spirit and
        vigor; vivacity; spiritedness; as, he recited the story
        with great animation.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Suspended animation, temporary suspension of the vital
        functions, as in persons nearly drowned.
        [1913 Webster]
  
     Syn: Liveliness; vivacity; spirit; buoyancy; airiness;
          sprightliness; promptitude; enthusiasm; ardor;
          earnestness; energy. See Liveliness.
          [1913 Webster]

suspended animation - WordNet (r) 2.1 (2005) :

  suspended animation
      n 1: a temporary cessation of vital functions with loss of
           consciousness resembling death; usually resulting from
           asphyxia