adjective
- occurring or existing immediately before the final or terminal stage
Usage: medical; technical
Examples
- The patient was in a preterminal stage of the disease.
- Preterminal symptoms appeared several weeks before death.
- The doctor discussed preterminal care options with the family.
- Preterminal decline was evident in the patient’s condition.
- The study focused on preterminal phases of chronic illness.
- Preterminal events often require specialized medical attention.