vital

vi·tal

adj \ˈvī-t^əl\

Definition of VITAL

1

a : existing as a manifestation of life b : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life <vital organs> <blood and other vital fluids>

2

: full of life and vigor : animated

3

: characteristic of life or living beings

4

a : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: as (1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating (2) : destructive to life : mortal b : of the utmost importance <a vital clue> <vital resources>

5

: recording data relating to lives

6

: of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

— vi·tal·ly \-t^əl-ē\ adverb

Examples of VITAL

1. These matters are vital to national defense.
2. The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum.
3. your heart, lungs, and other vital organs
4. Exercise keeps her young and vital.
5. Their music stills seems fresh and vital after all these years.

Origin of VITAL

Middle English, from Latin vitalis of life, from vita life; akin to Latin vivere to live — more at quick

First Known Use: 14th century

Related to VITAL

Synonyms: dynamic, energetic, flush, gingery, lusty, peppy, red-blooded, robust, vigorous

Antonyms: dull, lethargic, listless, sluggish, torpid

Related Words: animated, brisk, dashing, kinetic, lively, punchy, spirited, sprightly, vivacious; energized, enlivened, invigorated, vitalized; firm, fortified, mettlesome, mighty, powerful, puissant, strong; refreshed, rejuvenated, revitalized; able-bodied, athletic, beefy, brawny, burly, fit, hardy, husky, muscular, robustious, rugged, stalwart, stout, strapping, sturdy, tough, virile; hale, healthy, hearty, sound; capable, competent

Near Antonyms: delicate, effete, enervated, faint, feeble, frail, infirm, wan, weak, weakened; impotent, powerless, prostrate, prostrated, sapped, tired; indolent, lackadaisical, languid, lazy; invertebrate, nerveless, soft, spineless, wimpy; ill, unhealthy, unsound, unwell; broken-down, debilitated, decrepit, disabled, wasted, worn-out

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See Synonym Discussion at essential

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

Rhymes with VITAL

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