Main Entry:

¹life

Pronunciation:

\ˈlīf\

Function:

noun

Inflected Form(s):

plural lives \ˈlīvz\

Etymology:

Middle English lif, from Old English līf; akin to Old English libban to live — more at live

Date:

before 12th century

1 a: the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body b: a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings c: an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction2 a: the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b: one or more aspects of the process of living <sex life of the frog>3: biography 14: spiritual existence transcending physical death5 a: the period from birth to death b: a specific phase of earthly existence <adult life> c: the period from an event until death <a judge appointed for life> d: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life6: a way or manner of living7: livelihood8: a vital or living being ; specifically : person <many lives were lost in the disaster>9: an animating and shaping force or principle10: spirit, animation <saw no life in her dancing>11: the form or pattern of something existing in reality <painted from life>12: the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something <the expected life of the batteries>13: the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle) — compare half-life14: a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being15: living beings (as of a particular kind or environment) <forest life>16 a: human activities b: animate activity and movement <stirrings of life> c: the activities of a given sphere, area, or time <the political life of the country>17: one providing interest and vigor <life of the party>18: an opportunity for continued viability <gave the patient a new life>19capitalized Christian Science : god 1b20: something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>