Definition of: life

(līf) noun plural lives (līvz)
1. That state in which animals and plants exist which distinguishes them from inorganic substances and from dead organisms: characterized by metabolism and growth, reproduction, and internally initiated adaptations to the environment.
2. That vital existence, the loss of which means death: to give one's life.
3. The period of animate existence from birth until death, or a part of it.
4. Any conscious and intelligent existence: the life here and hereafter.
5. Energy and animation; spirit; vivacity: to put life into an enterprise.
6. A source of liveliness, animation, etc.: to be the life of the party.
7. That which keeps something alive; the source or essence of existence.
8. A living being; a person: Many lives were lost.
9. Living things in the aggregate: plant life.
10. In art, a living figure or semblance: a picture drawn from life.
11. The course of active human existence; human affairs: daily life in the city.
12. A certain manner or way of living: the life of a recluse.
13. Theol. A state of spiritual attainment or awareness following conversion.
14. A biography.
15. The duration of efficiency or usefulness of anything: the life of a machine.
—for life For the remainder of one's existence, until death: to hold office for life.
—adjective
1. Of or pertaining to life or a life.
2. Lasting for a lifetime, or from a given point until death: a life sentence.
3. In art, studying from a living model: a life class. [OE līf] Synonym: vitality. Life is the state of actual living; vitality is the power of living or the capacity of maintaining life; as, Reptiles have remarkable vitality. Life may also be used for the vital principle; as, the life of a seed. See WARMTH. Antonyms: death, decease, dissolution.