longevity

lon·gev·i·ty

noun \län-ˈje-və-tē, lȯn-\

Definition of LONGEVITY

1

a : a long duration of individual life b : length of life <a study of longevity>

2

: long continuance : permanence, durability

Examples of LONGEVITY

1. His longevity was remarkable considering he had been so sick when he was a child.
2. Better medical treatment has led to greater longevity.
3. a study of human longevity
4. The longevity of a car's tires depends on how the car is driven.
5. They're trying to increase the product's longevity.

Origin of LONGEVITY

Late Latin longaevitas, from Latin longaevus long-lived, from longus long + aevum age — more at aye

First Known Use: 1615

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate