Term Life Insurance (tûrm) (lahyf) (ĭn-shŏŏr'əns) - n. a type of insurance where the insurance company pays a specified amount if the insured person dies while covered. There is no borrowing power, benefits at retirement, or cash value; also called [term insurance]. (English translation - if you live beyond the term, you paid them. If you die before the specified term expires, they pay you). Level term insurance is by far the least expensive life insurance option available. It is the least expensive way to provide for your dependents should you pass away.