Main Entry: vi·tal

Pronunciation: \ˈvīt-^əl\

Function: adjective

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 : characteristic of life or living beings <vital activities>
3 : recording data relating to lives <vital records>
4 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

—vi·tal·ly \-^əl-ē\ adverb