life cycle

noun

1

: the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage

2

: life history sense 2

3

: a series of stages through which something (such as an individual, culture, or manufactured product) passes during its lifetime

Examples of life cycle in a Sentence

the life cycle of a shark

Recent Examples on the Web

The oldest tadpole reveals evolutionary stability of the anuran life cycle. —Nina Turner, Newsweek, 31 Oct. 2024

The two-stage life cycle–when the aquatic tadpole changes into an adult form–is one of the main characteristics of anurans. —Laura Baisas, Popular Science, 30 Oct. 2024

Recognizing the scale of both the challenge and economic opportunity, in March 2022 governments adopted a historic resolution to develop an international treaty that addresses the full life cycle of plastic, including its production, design, and disposal. —Jason Ma, Fortune, 21 Oct. 2024

Understanding the life cycle of this tiny insect is crucial to a successful fly-fishing trip. —John Paul Brammer, SELF, 17 Oct. 2024

Word History

First Known Use

1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1

Kids Definition

life cycle

noun

1

: the series of stages of form and activity through which a living thing passes from a beginning stage (as an egg) in one individual to the same stage in its offspring

2

: life history sense 1

Medical Definition

life cycle

noun

1

: the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage

2

: life history sense 1a