deceased
Meaning of deceased: Deceased means dead; as a noun, it refers to a person who has died.
Definition of deceased
Deceased describes a person whose death has occurred. In medical records, legal documents, and death-care settings, the word may be used as an adjective, as in “the deceased patient,” or as a noun, “the deceased.” It states that the person has died but does not identify when, how, or why the death occurred.
Also known as
deaddecedent
Used in a sentence
The medical examiner reviewed the deceased patient’s records.
Good to know
The word deceased records a status, not a cause of death. Pronouncing death and completing a death certificate are related but distinct clinical and legal responsibilities.
Word origin
Where “deceased” comes from
From Latin decedere, meaning “to depart” or “to die,” through later French and English usage.