n.
Function: conjunction
Date: 12th century
1 a : during the time that <take a nap while I'm out> b : as long as < while there's life there's hope>
2 a : when on the other hand : WHEREAS <easy for an expert, while it is dangerous for a novice> b : in spite of the fact that : ALTHOUGH < while respected, he is not liked>
3 : similarly and at the same time that < while the book will be welcomed by scholars, it will make an immediate appeal to the general reader ― British Book News >