vital

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adjective vi·tal \ˈvī-t^əl\

Definition of vital

1a : of the utmost importance a vital clue vital resourcesb : fundamentally concerned with or affecting life or living beings: such as (1) : tending to renew or refresh the living : invigorating (2) : destructive to life : mortal
2a : concerned with or necessary to the maintenance of life vital organs blood and other vital fluidsb : existing as a manifestation of life
3 : full of life and vigor : animated
4 : characteristic of life or living beings
5 : recording data relating to lives
6 : of, relating to, or constituting the staining of living tissues

vitally

play \ˈvī-t^əl-ē\ adverb

See vital defined for English-language learners

See vital defined for kids

Examples of vital in a Sentence

These matters are vital to national defense.
The sciences are a vital part of the school curriculum.
your heart, lungs, and other vital organs
Exercise keeps her young and vital.

Recent Examples of vital from the Web

Invasive testing provides details vital to the computer modeling and scientifically simulated plutonium behavior that has replaced nuclear testing, said DOE consultant David Overskei.

— r. jeffrey smith, Science | AAAS, "Safety problems at a Los Alamos laboratory", 30 June 2017
The real problem is to see whether human nature can become generous enough to create vital societies with or without technology.

— norman mailer, Daily Intelligencer, "Black and White Justice", 30 June 2017
In finding that imports of those materials were not vital to national security, the administration of George W. Bush looked at usage in a range of industries as well as defense, including energy and telecommunications.

— rich miller, Bloomberg.com, "Trump Faces Laugh Test as He Weighs 'Nuclear Option' for Steel", 28 June 2017
But the need for critical thinking, clear writing, appreciation of culture, and knowledge of history is more vital than ever.

— charles isherwood, Town & Country, "Why a Liberal Arts Degree Still Matters", 28 June 2017
Connections are key, and networking is a vital necessity in creating and sustaining opportunities.

— chassidy david, Cosmopolitan, "7 Secrets Reality and Game Show Winners Want You to Know", 26 June 2017
This is why research done by educators and LGBT members of NPHC organizations is even more vital in order to move forward.

— nia decaille, The Root, "Black Sororities Are a Straight, Cisgender Women’s Club, and That Needs to Change", 23 June 2017
OUL presents erudite and impassioned lectures (and the occasional panel discussion) by academics and activists on a range of issues vital to old lefties and, especially now, to all of us.

— deanna isaacs, Chicago Reader, "Open University of the Left is free, liberal, and necessary", 22 June 2017
The anesthesiologist monitors the patient’s sedation level and vital signs.

— augusta macqueen, SELF, "I'm an Abortion Doula—Here's What I Do and See During a Typical Shift", 1 June 2017

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

Origin and Etymology of vital

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

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First Known Use: 14th century

See Words from the same year

Synonym Discussion of vital

essential, fundamental, vital, cardinal mean so important as to be indispensable. essential implies belonging to the very nature of a thing and therefore being incapable of removal without destroying the thing itself or its character. conflict is essential in drama fundamental applies to something that is a foundation without which an entire system or complex whole would collapse. fundamental principles of algebra vital suggests something that is necessary to a thing's continued existence or operation. cut off from vital supplies cardinal suggests something on which an outcome turns or depends. a cardinal rule in buying a home

Other Biology Terms

autochthonous, fecund, homunculus, phylogeny, substrate

VITAL Defined for English Language Learners

vital

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adjective

Definition of vital for English Language Learners

: extremely important
: needed by your body in order to keep living
: very lively or energetic

VITAL Defined for Kids

vital

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adjective vi·tal \ˈvī-t^əl\

Definition of vital for Students

1 : concerned with or necessary to the continuation of life The heart and lungs are vital organs.
2 : full of life and energy At 80, he's still an active and vital man.
3 : very important a vital clue

vitally

adverb These are vitally needed supplies.

Medical Dictionary

vital

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adjective vi·tal \ˈvīt-^əl\

Medical Definition of vital

1a: existing as a manifestation of lifeb: 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