Definitions for the word "life" from multiple English dictionaries.
1. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
2. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
3. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
4. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
5. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
6. n.
Animation; spirit; vivacity; vigor; energy.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
7. 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.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
8. n.
The living or actual form, person, thing, or state; as, a picture or a description from the life.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
9. n.
A person; a living being, usually a human being; as, many lives were sacrificed.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
10. n.
The system of animal nature; animals in general, or considered collectively.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
11. n.
An essential constituent of life, esp. the blood.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
12. n.
A history of the acts and events of a life; a biography; as, Johnson wrote the life of Milton.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
13. n.
Enjoyment in the right use of the powers; especially, a spiritual existence; happiness in the favor of God; heavenly felicity.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
14. n.
Something dear to one as one's existence; a darling; -- used as a term of endearment.
Source: The 1913 Webster Unabridged Dictionary, 1913
15. n.
(pl. Lives) 1 capacity for growth, functional activity, and continual change until death. 2 living things and their activity (insect life; is there life on mars?). 3 a period during which life lasts, or the period from birth to the present time or from the present time to death (have done it all my life; will regret it all my life). B duration of a thing''s existence or ability to function. 4 a person''s state of existence as a living individual (sacrificed their lives). B living person (many lives were lost). 5 a individual''s actions or fortunes; manner of existence (start a new life). B particular aspect of this (private life). 6 business and pleasures of the world (in paris you really see life). 7 energy, liveliness (full of life). 8 biography. 9 colloq. = *life sentence. for dear (or one''s) life as if or in order to escape death. For life for the rest of one''s life. Not on your life colloq. Most certainly not. [old english]
Source: Oxford English Dictionary, 1884
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