Other Definitions
suspended animation (dict)
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Suspended AnimationSuspended animation is the technical term for the slowing without termination of life processes by external means. Outside science fiction, the technique is hypothetical. Breathing, heartbeat, and other involuntary functions may still occur, but they can only be detected by artificial means. Extreme cold is used to precipitate the slowing of an individual's functions; use of this process had led to the developing science of cryonics. Placing astronauts in suspended animation has been proposed as one way for an individual to reach the end of an interplanetary or interstellar journey, avoiding the necessity for a gigantic generation ship; occasionally the two concepts have been combined, with generations of "caretakers" supervising a large population of frozen passengers. Suspended animation is also a common device in fiction used to transport individuals from one time period to another. Among the characters or works that utilize suspended animation are: See also For some real life starting points: * Hibernation
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