Posted by cheryl (12.36.128.30) on March 28, 2001 at 10:17:50:
Main Entry: 1life
Pronunciation: 'lIf
Function: noun
Inflected Form(s): plural lives /'lIvz/
Etymology: Middle English lif, from Old English lIf; 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 -- compare VITALISM 1 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
3 : BIOGRAPHY 1
4 : spiritual existence transcending physical death
5 a : the period from birth to death b : a specific phase of earthly
existence
a convict's life
6 : a way or manner of living
7 : LIVELIHOOD
8 : a vital or living being; specifically : PERSON
9 : an animating and shaping force or principle
10 : SPIRIT, ANIMATION
11 : the form or pattern of something existing in reality
12 : the period of duration, usefulness, or popularity of something
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)
16 a : human activities b : animate activity and movement
17 : one providing interest and vigor
18 : an opportunity for continued viability
19 capitalized, Christian Science : GOD 1b
20 : something resembling animate life life>