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lifespan
noun
life·span
ˈlīf-ˌspan
variants
or less commonly life span
plural lifespans also life-spans
1
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
2
: the duration of existence of an individual
Synonyms
Examples of lifespan in a Sentence
the average lifespan of house cats
increase the human lifespan
Recent Examples on the Web
This predictive maintenance approach can decrease downtime and extend the lifespan of manufacturing equipment, reducing waste and the need for replacements.
—Raghunandan Gurumurthy, Forbes, 23 Oct. 2024
Affirmations and Insights to Keep You From Losing Your Mind and Dr. Sascha Griffing, a clinical psychologist with extensive experience in women’s health across the lifespan, particularly at the intersection of trauma and mental health.
—Emily Cegielski, Flow Space, 22 Oct. 2024
And research has shown that loneliness and isolation are linked to health concerns such as sleep problems, inflammation, depression, anxiety and a shorter lifespan.
—Madeline Holcombe, CNN, 18 Oct. 2024
Monarchs' entire lifespan is typically only 2-6 weeks.
—Outside Online, 16 Oct. 2024
Unlike other models, the gel fibers offer a bounce-back effect that allows your pillows to keep their fluffy shape for an even longer lifespan.
—Megan Schaltegger, People.com, 15 Oct. 2024
Improper use can also reduce the lifespan of your appliance.
—Nafeesah Allen, Better Homes & Gardens, 13 Oct. 2024
Thanks to medical and technological advances, most of the previous century saw about three more years added every decade to the average lifespan of people in developed countries.
—Margherita Bassi, Smithsonian Magazine, 11 Oct. 2024
Understanding Different Types of Social Cues A Word From Verywell
Research suggests that reading can have positive effects on mental and physical health, including sleep, cognition, stress, and lifespan.
—Lana Barhum, Verywell Health, 7 Oct. 2024
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Word History
First Known Use
1831, in the meaning defined at sense 2
Dictionary Entries Near lifespan
Cite this Entry
“Lifespan.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/lifespan. Accessed 5 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
life span
noun
: the average length of life of a living thing or of the persistence of a material object under specified circumstances or in a particular environment
Medical Definition
life span
noun1
: the duration of existence of an individual
2
: the average length of life of a kind of organism or of a material object especially in a particular environment or under specified circumstances
More from Merriam-Webster on lifespan
Britannica English: Translation of lifespan for Arabic Speakers
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