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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
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
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Word History
First Known Use
1855, in the meaning defined at sense 1
Dictionary Entries Near life cycle
Cite this Entry
“Life cycle.” Merriam-Webster.com Dictionary, Merriam-Webster, https://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/life%20cycle. Accessed 22 Nov. 2024.
Kids Definition
life cycle
noun1
: 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
Medical Definition
life cycle
noun1
: the series of stages in form and functional activity through which an organism passes between successive recurrences of a specified primary stage
More from Merriam-Webster on life cycle
Britannica.com: Encyclopedia article about life cycle
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