Main Entry: sub·sis·tence

Pronunciation: \səb-ˈsis-tən(t)s\

Function: noun

Etymology: Middle English, from Late Latin subsistentia, from subsistent-, subsistens, present participle of subsistere

Date: 15th century

1 a (1) : real being : existence (2) : the condition of remaining in existence : continuation, persistence b : an essential characteristic quality of something that exists c : the character possessed by whatever is logically conceivable
2 : means of subsisting: as a : the minimum (as of food and shelter) necessary to support life b : a source or means of obtaining the necessities of life

— sub·sis·tent \-tənt\ adjective