adj. (usu. predic.)
1. (of a person, animal, plant, etc.) living, not dead.
2 a (of a thing) existing; continuing; in operation or action (kept his interest alive). b under discussion; provoking interest (the topic is still very much alive today).
3 (of a person or animal) lively, active.
4 charged with an electric current; connected to a source of electricity.
5 (foll. by to) aware of; alert or responsive to.
6 (foll. by with) a swarming or teeming with. b full of.
Phrases and idioms:
alive and kicking colloq. very active; lively. alive and well still alive or active (esp. despite contrary assumptions or rumours).
Derivatives:
aliveness n.
Etymology: OE on life (as A(2), LIFE)