Main Entry: 1life
Pronunciation: \ˈlīf\
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural lives \ˈlīvz\
Etymology: Middle English lif, from Old English līf; akin to Old English libban to live — more at live
Date: before 12th century
1 a: the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional being from a dead body b: a principle or force that is considered to underlie the distinctive quality of animate beings c: an organismic state characterized by capacity for metabolism, growth, reaction to stimuli, and reproduction
2 a: the sequence of physical and mental experiences that make up the existence of an individual b: one or more aspects of the process of living <sex life of the frog>
3: biography 1
4: spiritual existence transcending physical death
5 a: the period from birth to death b: a specific phase of earthly existence <adult life> c: the period from an event until death <a judge appointed for life> d: a sentence of imprisonment for the remainder of a convict's life
6: a way or manner of living
7: livelihood
8: a vital or living being; specifically : person <many lives were lost in the disaster>
9: an animating and shaping force or principle
10: spirit, animation <saw no life in her dancing>
11: the form or pattern of something existing in reality <painted from life>
12: the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something <the expected life of the batteries>
13: the period of existence (as of a subatomic particle) — compare half-life
14: a property (as resilience or elasticity) of an inanimate substance or object resembling the animate quality of a living being
15: living beings (as of a particular kind or environment) <forest life>
16 a: human activities b: animate activity and movement <stirrings of life> c: the activities of a given sphere, area, or time <the political life of the country>
17: one providing interest and vigor <life of the party>
18: an opportunity for continued viability <gave the patient a new life>
19capitalized Christian Science : god 1b
20: something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>