vital

Meanings

1. 1
   adj

   manifesting or characteristic of life

   a vital, living organism

2. 2
   adj

   performing an essential function in the living body

   vital organs

3. 3
   adj

   Relating to or characteristic of life.

   vital energies; vital functions; vital actions

4. 4
   adj

   Necessary to the continuation of life; being the seat of life; being that on which life depends.

   The brain is a vital organ.

5. 5
   adj

   Necessary to continued existence.

   The transition to farming was vital for the creation of civilisation.

6. 6
   adj

   Relating to the recording of life events.

   Birth, marriage and death certificates are vital records.

7. 7
   adj

   Very important.

   It is vital that you don't forget to do your homework.

8. 8
   adj

   Containing life; living.

   spirits that live throughout, vital in every part

Etymology

From Middle English vital, from Old French vital, from Latin vītālis (“of life, life-giving”), from vīta (“life”), from vīvō (“to live”). Doublet of jiva and quick.