I. ˈlīf noun
( 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
19. capitalized , Christian Science : god 1b
20. : something resembling animate life
a grant saved the project's life
II. adjective
Date: 13th century
1. : of or relating to animate being
2. : lifelong
a life member
3. : using a living model
a life class
4. : of, relating to, or provided by life insurance
a life policy