life

¹life

noun \ˈlīf\

plural lives \ˈlīvz\

Definition of LIFE

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 reproduction

2

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 1

4

: spiritual existence transcending physical death

5

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 life

6

: a way or manner of living

7

: livelihood

8

: a vital or living being; specifically : person <many lives were lost in the disaster>

9

: an animating and shaping force or principle

10

: 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-life

14

: a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being

15

: 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>

19

capitalized Christian Science : god 1b

20

: something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>

Examples of LIFE

1. He believes that God gives life to all creatures.
2. She was happy and healthy for most of her life.
3. The people in her family tend to have long lives.
4. I've known her all my life.
5. He is nearing the end of his life.
6. People can expect to change jobs several times in their life .
7. They've been waiting their whole life for an opportunity like this.
8. What do you really want out of life?
9. All this paperwork has made life much more difficult.
10. The details of everyday life can be fascinating.

Origin of LIFE

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

First Known Use: before 12th century

Related to LIFE

Synonyms

bio, biography, memoir

Antonyms

lethargy, listlessness, sluggishness, torpidity

Related Words

jiva; autobiography; hagiography; psychobiography; pathography, tell-all; chronicle, history, past, story; obituary; character sketch, profile

Near Antonyms

animal, beast, beastie, brute, critter

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

Rhymes with LIFE

fife, Fife, knife, rife, strife, wife

²life

adjective

Definition of LIFE

1

: of or relating to animate being

2

: lifelong <a life member>

3

: using a living model <a life class>

4

: of, relating to, or provided by life insurance <a life policy>

Examples of LIFE

1. the life force in all things
2. He was given a life sentence in prison.

First Known Use of LIFE

13th century

life

noun \ˈlīf\   (Medical Dictionary)

plural ; lives \ˈlīvz\ (audio pronunciation)

Medical Definition of LIFE

1

a : the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional plant or animal from a dead body b : a state of living characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction

2

a : the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b : a specific part or aspect of the process of living <sex life> <adult life>

—life·less \ˈlīf-ləs\ (audio pronunciation) adjective

life

noun    (Concise Encyclopedia)

Matter characterized by the ability to metabolize nutrients (process materials for energy and tissue building), grow, reproduce, and respond and adapt to environmental stimuli. Fossil evidence suggests that Earth's first living organisms, bacteria and cyanobacteria, arose about 3.5 billion years ago. All known life-forms possess either DNA or RNA. Viruses, which possess DNA and RNA, cannot reproduce without a host cell and do not metabolize nutrients, and it is uncertain whether they should be classified as living or nonliving. Scientists disagree on the likelihood of extraterrestrial life. See also Drake equation.