life

[[t]laɪf[/t]]

n. pl. lives (līvz), adj.

1) bio the general condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, a means of reproduction, and internal regulation in response to the environment

2) the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual:

to risk one's life; a long life[/ex]

3) a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul:

eternal life[/ex]

4) the general or universal condition of human existence:

Life is like that[/ex]

5) any specified period of animate existence:

a couple in middle life[/ex]

6) the period of existence, activity, or effectiveness of something inanimate, as a machine, lease, or play

7) a living being:

Several lives were lost in the fire[/ex]

8) living things collectively:

insect life[/ex]

9) a particular aspect of existence:

an active sex life[/ex]

10) the course of existence or sum of experiences and actions that constitute a person's existence

11) a biography:

a life of Willa Cather[/ex]

12) animation; liveliness; spirit:

The party was full of life[/ex]

13) resilience; elasticity

14) the force that makes or keeps something alive; the vivifying or quickening principle

15) a mode or manner of existence, as in the world of affairs or society

16) life sentence

17) anything or anyone considered to be as precious as life:

She was his life[/ex]

18) a person or thing that enlivens:

the life of the party[/ex]

19) effervescence or sparkle, as of wines

20) pungency or strong, sharp flavor, as of substances when fresh or in good condition

21) nature or any of the forms of nature as the model or subject of a work of art:

drawn from life[/ex]

22) for or lasting a lifetime; lifelong:

a life membership in a club; life imprisonment[/ex]

23) of or pertaining to animate existence:

life functions[/ex]

24) working from nature or using a living model:

a life drawing[/ex]

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- bring to life come to life for dear life for the life of one get a life not on your life take one's life in one's hands to the life

Etymology: bef. 900; ME lif(e); OE līf, c. OFris, OON līf, OHG līb life, body; akin to live I