/ig zis"teuhns/ , n.
1. the state or fact of existing; being.
2. continuance in being or life; life: a struggle for existence.
3. mode of existing: They were working for a better existence.
4. all that exists: Existence shows a universal order.
5. something that exists; entity; being.
[ 1350-1400; ME ex ( s ) istentia. See EXIST, -ENCE ]