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> 19 capitalized Christian Science : god 1b 20 : something resembling animate life <a grant saved the project's life>