Comatose

/ˈkoʊmətoʊs/ adjective

Definition

In a state of deep unconsciousness from which someone cannot be easily awakened, often due to injury or illness.

Etymology

From Greek 'kōma,' meaning deep sleep or lethargy, plus the suffix '-ose' meaning 'full of' or 'characterized by.' The word entered medical terminology in the 1600s.

Kelly Says

Patients in comas sometimes show surprising brain activity—brain scans reveal some people can hear and process information even though they appear completely unresponsive, challenging our whole understanding of consciousness!

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