mortality

Definition of mortality

mortality

(mor-TA-lih-tee)
Refers to the state of being mortal (destined to die). In medicine, a term also used for death rate, or the number of deaths in a certain group of people in a certain period of time. Mortality may be reported for people who have a certain disease, live in one area of the country, or who are of a certain gender, age, or ethnic group.

Source: NCI Dictionary of Cancer Terms