(n.) The state of being which begins with generation, birth, or
germination, and ends with death; also, the time during which this
state continues; that state of an animal or plant in which all or any
of its organs are capable of performing all or any of their functions;
-- used of all animal and vegetable organisms.
(n.) Of human beings: The union of the soul and body; also, the
duration of their union; sometimes, the deathless quality or existence
of the soul; as, man is a creature having an immortal life.
(n.) The potential principle, or force, by which the organs of
animals and plants are started and continued in the performance of
their several and cooperative functions; the vital force, whether
regarded as physical or spiritual.
(n.) Figuratively: The potential or animating principle, also, the
period of duration, of anything that is conceived of as resembling a
natural organism in structure or functions; as, the life of a state, a
machine, or a book; authority is the life of government.
(n.) A certain way or manner of living with respect to conditions,
circumstances, character, conduct, occupation, etc.; hence, human
affairs; also, lives, considered collectively, as a distinct class or
type; as, low life; a good or evil life; the life of Indians, or of
miners.
(n.) Animation; spirit; vivacity; vigor; energy.
(n.) That which imparts or excites spirit or vigor; that upon
which enjoyment or success depends; as, he was the life of the company,
or of the enterprise.
(n.) The living or actual form, person, thing, or state; as, a
picture or a description from the life.
(n.) A person; a living being, usually a human being; as, many
lives were sacrificed.
(n.) The system of animal nature; animals in general, or
considered collectively.
(n.) An essential constituent of life, esp. the blood.
(n.) A history of the acts and events of a life; a biography; as,
Johnson wrote the life of Milton.
(n.) Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a
spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God; heavenly felicity.
(n.) Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; -- used
as a term of endearment.
