Meanings
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1
noun
the internal organs essential to life, especially the heart, lungs, and brain
The blade missed his vitals by inches.
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2
noun
the most important or indispensable parts of a system
The cyberattack struck at the vitals of the payment network.
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3
noun
measurements of basic bodily functions, such as pulse, breathing, blood pressure, and temperature
The nurse checked her vitals before the examination.
Thesaurus
Etymology
A plural noun formed from vital, from Middle English vital via Old French from Latin vītālis ("of or belonging to life"), based on vīta ("life"). The noun first denoted organs necessary for life, then the indispensable core of anything; the medical sense is shortened from vital signs.