the condition that distinguishes organisms from inorganic objects and dead organisms, being manifested by growth through metabolism, reproduction, and the power of adaptation to environment through changes originating internally.

the sum of the distinguishing phenomena of organisms, esp. metabolism, growth, reproduction, and adaptation to environment.

the animate existence or period of animate existence of an individual

to risk one's life; a short life and a merry one.

a corresponding state, existence, or principle of existence conceived of as belonging to the soul

eternal life.

the general or universal condition of human existence

Too bad, but life is like that.

any specified period of animate existence

a man in middle life.

the period of existence, activity, or effectiveness of something inanimate, as a machine, lease, or play

The life of the car may be ten years.

a living being

Several lives were lost.

living things collectively

the hope of discovering life on other planets; insect life.

a particular aspect of existence

He enjoys an active physical life.

the course of existence or sum of experiences and actions that constitute a person's existence

His business has been his entire life.

a biography

a newly published life of Willa Cather.

animation; liveliness; spirit

a speech full of life.

resilience; elasticity.

the force that makes or keeps something alive; the vivifying or quickening principle

The life of the treaty has been an increase of mutual understanding and respect.

a mode or manner of existence, as in the world of affairs or society

So far her business life has not overlapped her social life.

the period or extent of authority, popularity, approval, etc.

the life of the committee; the life of a bestseller.

a prison sentence covering the remaining portion of the offender's animate existence

The judge gave him life.

anything or anyone considered to be as precious as life

She was his life.

a person or thing that enlivens

the life of the party.

effervescence or sparkle, as of wines.

pungency or strong, sharp flavor, as of substances when fresh or in good condition.

nature or any of the forms of nature as the model or subject of a work of art

drawn from life.

Baseball . another opportunity given to a batter to bat because of a misplay by a fielder.

(in English pool) one of a limited number of shots allowed a player

Each pool player has three lives at the beginning of the game.

for or lasting a lifetime; lifelong

a life membership in a club; life imprisonment.

of or pertaining to animate existence

the life force; life functions.

working from nature or using a living model

a life drawing; a life class.

as large as life

actually; indeed

There he stood, as large as life. Also, as big as life.

come to life

to recover consciousness.

to become animated and vigorous

The evening passed, but somehow the party never came to life.

to appear lifelike

The characters of the novel came to life on the screen.

for dear life, with desperate effort, energy

or speed

We ran for dear life, with the dogs at our heels. Also, for one's life.

for the life of one

as hard as one tries; even with the utmost effort

He can't understand it for the life of him.

get a life

to improve the quality of one's social and professional life

often used in the imperative to express impatience with someone's behavior.

not on your life

Informal . absolutely not; under no circumstances; by no means

Will I stand for such a thing? Not on your life!

take one's life in one's hands

to risk death knowingly

We were warned that we were taking our lives in our hands by going through that swampy area.

to the life

in perfect imitation; exactly

The portrait characterized him to the life.