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d.o.a.

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The term "D.O.A." stands for "dead on arrival." It is an abbreviation used primarily in medical contexts, especially in emergency rooms. When a patient is described as D.O.A., it means that they were found to be dead when they arrived at the hospital or medical facility.

Usage Instructions:
  • You typically use "D.O.A." to talk about someone who did not survive long enough to receive medical treatment.
  • It is mostly used in formal or medical settings, so it's not common in everyday conversation.
Example:
  • "The paramedics brought in a patient, but unfortunately, he was D.O.A."
Advanced Usage:
  • In some contexts, you might hear "D.O.A." used metaphorically to describe something that is completely ineffective or beyond saving, not just in medical terms. For instance, if a project is failing badly, someone might say, "This project is D.O.A."
Word Variants:
  • There are no direct variants of "D.O.A." since it is an abbreviation, but you might encounter similar phrases like "DOA" (without the periods) or "dead on arrival" spelled out.
Different Meanings:
  • While "D.O.A." primarily refers to a medical condition, the metaphorical use can apply to various situations, such as a failed idea or a broken object.
Synonyms:
  • "Dead on arrival" (full phrase).
  • In more general terms: "deceased," "lifeless," or "passed away" (though these are not exact synonyms in the medical context).
Idioms and Phrasal Verbs:
  • There are no specific idioms or phrasal verbs that directly relate to "D.O.A." in the same way, but you might encounter phrases like:
    • "Out of the picture" – meaning someone or something is no longer involved or relevant.
    • "Kick the bucket" – an informal idiom meaning to die.
Summary:

"D.O.A." is a medical abbreviation meaning "dead on arrival," used when a patient arrives at a healthcare facility already deceased. It can also be used metaphorically to describe something that cannot be salvaged or improved.

Adjective
  1. abbreviation for `dead on arrival' at the emergency room

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