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longevity

noun lon·gev·i·ty \ län-ˈje-və-tē , lȯn- \
|Updated on: 14 Jun 2018

Definition of longevity

1 a : a long duration of individual life
  • The members of that family are noted for their longevity.
b : length of life
  • a study of longevity
2 : long continuance : permanence, durability
  • longevity in office is also an asset
  • —Spencer Parratt

See longevity defined for English-language learners

See longevity defined for kids

Examples of longevity in a Sentence

  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.

Recent Examples of longevity from the Web

These example sentences are selected automatically from various online news sources to reflect current usage of the word 'longevity.' Views expressed in the examples do not represent the opinion of Merriam-Webster or its editors. Send us feedback.

Did You Know?

As living conditions improve and the science of medicine advances, the longevity of the average American has increased greatly, from about 45 years in 1900 to over 75 years today. But the most impressive human longevity is nothing compared to the 400-year lifespan of an ocean clam found near Iceland, or the 5,000-year lifespan of the bristlecone pine, a tree found in the western U.S. We may use longevity to talk not only about actual lives but also of the useful "life" of things: the life of your car's tires or the shingles on your roof, for example.

Origin and Etymology of longevity

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

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

LONGEVITY Defined for English Language Learners

longevity

noun

Definition of longevity for English Language Learners

  • : long life : the fact of living for many years

  • : length of life

  • : the length of time that something or someone lasts or continues

Medical Dictionary

longevity

noun lon·gev·i·ty \ län-ˈjev-ət-ē, lȯn- \

medical Definition of longevity

plural longevities
1 : a long duration of individual life
  • attributed his longevity to daily exercise and a healthy diet
2 : length of life
  • studies in longevity

Learn More about longevity

  1. Spanish Central: Translation of longevity Nglish: Translation of longevity for Spanish speakers Britannica English: Translation of longevity for Arabic speakers Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about longevity

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