An Etymological Dictionary of Astronomy and Astrophysics

1. Deprived of life.
   

2. No longer producing or functioning. → dead pixel.

Etymology (EN): M.E. deed, O.E. dead “dead;” cf. O.S. dod, Dan. død, Swed. död, Du. dood, O.H.G. tot, Ger. tot; PIE *dhou-toz-, from base *dheu- “to die.”

Etymology (PE): Mordé “dead,” p.p. of mordan, mir- “to die,” → death.