n, pl  lives   1 a  :  the quality that distinguishes a vital and functional plant or animal from a dead body  b  :  a state of living 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  :  a specific part or aspect of the process of living <sex >  <adult >  life*less adj 
 
 
 
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