The state of organisms preceding their death, characterized by biological processes such as metabolism and reproduction and distinguishing them from inanimate objects; the state of being alive and living.
The animating principle or force that keeps an inorganic thing or concept metaphorically alive (dynamic, relevant, etc) and makes it a "living document", "living constitution", etc.
Lifeforms, generally or collectively.
A living individual; the fact of a particular individual being alive. (Chiefly when indicating individuals were lost (died) or saved.)
Existence.
A period of time during which something has existence.
Animation; spirit; vivacity.
A biography.
Nature, reality, and the forms that exist in it.
An opportunity for existence.
The life insurance industry.
A life assured under a life assurance policy (equivalent to the policy itself for a single life contract).